Wandsworth unveils No Smoking Day artwork by local artist Eduard Sacrest

The event, held at Wandsworth Town Hall, brought together council leaders, public health partners, community representatives and residents to celebrate a creative new vision for a Smokefree Generation in Wandsworth by 2030.

The work was commissioned following an open expression of interest process that attracted five design submissions. Eduard's artwork was chosen for its hopeful and inspiring style and its potential to spark meaningful conversations about smoking and health in the borough.

The final installation consists of four large-scale artworks that reflect the lived experiences of quitting smoking and the borough’s ambition to make smoking obsolete.

During Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture, mental health and wellbeing has been an important focus across many projects, showcasing how creativity can support and improve the wellbeing of people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Speakers at the unveiling included Shannon Katiyo, Director of Public Health for Wandsworth, Ana Popovici, Executive Director of Children’s Services and Deputy Chief Executive, Councillor Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Health and RICE, the commissioned artist.

Together they highlighted the importance of creative approaches to public health messaging and the role of community collaboration in reducing tobacco harm.

7.7% of Wandsworth adult residents are smokers, significantly lower than many areas, but the council remains committed to further reducing smoking rates and protecting future generations from tobacco addiction.

Following the reveal, attendees had the opportunity to view the artwork, meet the artist and discuss the borough’s Smokefree Generation programme, which aims to prevent young people from starting to smoke while supporting residents who want to quit.

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Graeme Henderson said:

“Congratulations to Balham resident Eduard Sacrest (RICE) for his powerful contribution to the London Borough of Culture programme. His pieces illustrate not only the impacts of smoking but also the determination and hope involved in quitting. The bold imagery of the ‘human cigarette’ and the kickboxer ‘kicking the habit’ speaks powerfully to both themes. Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of disease, including many types of cancer. I hope Eduard’s work sparks conversations across our community and encourages more people to take their own steps toward a smokefree future.”

The unveiling forms part of wider work across Wandsworth to reduce tobacco harm through prevention, community engagement and support services that help residents quit smoking.