Street Artists Rejuvenate the Historically Listed ROM Skate Park, 2018
In a landmark convergence of heritage and contemporary urban art, celebrated street artists The London Police, Ben Eine, and Mr Penfold were invited to revitalise the ROM skate park, an iconic space and the world’s only full-scale skatepark to hold official historical listed status. Recognised for its cultural and architectural significance, the ROM’s sprawling concrete landscape has long stood as a monument to British skate history.
Responding to the call for rejuvenation, these artists infused the once-muted grey surfaces with vibrant colour and dynamic visual language. Their intervention not only breathes new life into the structure but also repositions the park as a site of creative engagement. Chaz and Bob of The London Police, both of whom skated at ROM in their youth while living in the UK, brought a deeply personal connection to the project. Their involvement underscores a full-circle moment honouring the park’s past while reimagining its future.
The resulting transformation is more than cosmetic. It represents a dialogue between generations, between counterculture and conservation. Through their signature styles; Eine’s bold typographic interventions, Mr Penfold’s geometric abstraction, and TLP’s whimsical monochromatic figures, the artists have created a compelling visual narrative designed to attract new visitors, re-energise the local community, and preserve ROM’s legacy as a living canvas for urban expression.
Photo Credit ROM Skate Park
Further affirming their commitment to the cultural preservation and creative evolution of the ROM skate park, The London Police extended their support through the release of two exclusive giclée prints. These meticulously produced limited editions reflect the duo’s iconic aesthetic, merging crisp linework with playful narrative elements.
Importantly, all proceeds from the sale of these works were pledged directly to fund a forthcoming public art initiative, scheduled for the spring/summer of 2019. This initiative not only reinforces the artists’ dedication to community enrichment but also ensures that the ROM remains an active, evolving canvas—celebrating both its historical legacy and its vibrant, contemporary relevance.
Photo Credit ROM Skate Park