Tucked away close to the Ladbroke Grove Underground station, between the bookshop from the movie Notting Hill and Rough Trade West, you’ll discover a hidden gem: a mural of the album art from Yorke’s 2006 solo album, “The Eraser.”
If you’re a fan of Thom Yorke’s solo work or Radiohead’s iconic sound, a trip to West London should be on your travel list.
I learned about this beautiful mural early in May 2024 after Stanley Donwood posted it on his Instagram. He is the artist responsible for “The Eraser” artwork and has collaborated with Radiohead on many visual projects.
Since I’m a big fan of this album by Thom Yorke, I knew I had to visit it next time I’d be in London.
Luckily, I visited the city for work in early June, and the pictures you can see here are from this trip.
What’s “The Eraser” Album All About?
“The Eraser” is a memorable and experimental album that stands out from Thom Yorke’s work with Radiohead. It was released in 2006, and I remember listening to it a lot when it was out. I had just moved from Belo Horizonte to São Paulo, and this album was part of my soundtrack going to work and back.
“The Eraser” is a fascinating blend of electronic and acoustic sounds. It tackles themes of environmentalism, political anxieties, and the haunting consequences of war. The album is a must-listen for electronic music fans and anyone seeking a thoughtful, introspective experience.
“The Eraser” Mural in London: A Visual Echo of the Music
“The Eraser” Mural in London is a striking representation of the album’s cover art, created by Stanley Donwood, a frequent collaborator with Radiohead. The “London Views” artwork is a stark, black-and-white linocut print depicting a lone figure standing before a flooded and desolate London, presented in gorgeous black and white lines that reminded me of the optical artwork of Bridget Riley.
The mural serves as a strong visual metaphor for the album’s themes. The flooded city is a chilling reminder of the consequences of climate change and government inaction. The lone figure, often interpreted as King Canute, who was King of England from 1016–1035, symbolizes the limits of human power in the face of environmental catastrophe.
Tracking Down the Mural
Since I only saw “The Eraser” mural on Instagram, locating this hidden gem was part of the adventure in the same way that I enjoyed tracking down where Nick Cave used to live in Berlin after seeing it in a YouTube video. It was easier this time since I was happy to see a street plaque in one of the pictures Stanley Donwood shared on Instagram, so I went on Google Maps and saved it for later.
You can see it on the map below, and close by is the headquarters and studio of the label that released the album: XL Recordings.
If you are walking around West London, add “The Eraser” mural to your itinerary. It’s a visual journey that will resonate with music fans and anyone who appreciates powerful street art. And remember to listen to the album while you try to find the mural; it will make everything better.
A Must-See for Music Fans: Thom Yorke’s “The Eraser” Mural in London
1 Codrington Mews, London
W11 2EH, United Kingdom
