Young offenders took inspiration from Van Gogh as they livened up a historic warehouse on Brentford's Grand Union Canal with this impressive graffiti mural.

Teenagers from Hounslow Youth Offending Service spent two weeks creating the eye-catching 100-metre-long artwork on the graffiti-blighted wall near Brentford Dock.

The intricate design combines architecture and nature found along the canal with the distinctive swirly style and vibrant palette of one of Brentford's most famous visitors, Vincent Van Gogh. It was based on consultations with local residents in September.

The youths worked with alongside professional artists from Positive Arts, in conjunction with the Canal & River Trust, to give the hangar wall a much-needed makeover.

The graffiti mural along the Grand Union Canal, in Brentford (photo by Adele Clarkson)

Speaking at the mural's unveiling yesterday, Canal & River Trust towpath ranger Dick Vincent said: "This mural was inspired by local people and has turned an old eyesore into a really positive site for the area.

"We've had great feedback from local people. It's great that local young people and organisations can contribute like this and we're delighted they are keen to do more in the future to keep it looking fresh."

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Van Gogh lived in Isleworth for three years, from 1876-79, during which time he walked past Brentford Dock on his way to the Congregational Church at Turnham Green.

The mural weaves scenery found between the Grand Union Canal at Brentford and Regent's Canal at Limehouse into the motif from one of the Dutch artist's best-known works, The Starry Night.

The Canal & River Trust, which looks after waterways across England and Wales, will continue to work with the Youth Offending Service to maintain the mural.

Dick Vincent, of the Canal & River Trust (CRT); Julian Phethean, of Positive Arts; Ruth Hall, of Hounslow Youth Offending Service; and Jon Guest, of the CRT, by the mural
A close-up of the graffiti mural created by young offenders along the Grand Union Canal in Brentford (photo by Adele Clarkson)