A grandmother who was a ‘secret’ writer and poet will have her words displayed in a mural on the housing estate where she lived.

Victoria London’s The Feathered Loves poem is on show at Hester Court as part of renovation work being carried out on the Fosters estate.

It is the centrepiece of the mural, alongside pictures by children from the neighbourhood.

Victoria, who died recently before the mural could be completed, was inspired by birds for the poem, which has a message of love and hope.

Friends and family were present to see her work commemorated in the place she once called home.

Unveiling of Victoria London's poem by her granddaughter with Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky Unveiling of Victoria London's poem by her granddaughter with Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky (Image: Barnet LB)“My grandmother was known for tending to a little garden — but people didn’t know she also wrote poetry,” her granddaughter Jennifer said.

“She lived on the Fosters Estate for more than 50 years, raising her children and grandchildren.

“My grandmother was really pleased, knowing her poem would get put up in the estate with the children’s illustrations — that would really have made her smile.”

The refurbishment is a milestone for Barnet Council’s housing renewal programme. Council leader Cllr Barry Rawlings joined the unveiling of Victoria’s work with Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky at the official ‘topping out’ ceremony.

The renewal scheme was co-designed by tenants, neighbours and Hendon community organisations and was the first of its type by Barnet Council.

Deputy council leader Cllr Ross Houston said: “It was amazing to tour the estate and see the work of residents in bringing about their ideas for a new neighbourhood.

“This is a community-led ‘co-production’ for more affordable homes with sustainability and better access — something to champion as a model for others.”

Construction started in 2022 to transform the estate while retaining most of the existing homes. The scheme includes 217 homes, new community facilities, public spaces and an ‘extra care’ programme for adults with dementia.

The children’s pictures were the idea of Sage Homes to bring Victoria London’s poem to life, which are being displayed on the mural as a tribute to her in the weeks to come.