My pleasure to visit the Croydon Compass in College Square and meet with street artist and designer ATMA who collaborated with art students from Croydon College to explore the architectural forms that have shaped Croydon’s identity. Guided by writer John Grindrod, the group uncovered layers of design across the borough, from intricate ornamental details to the distinctive silhouettes of its iconic buildings.
These discoveries were transformed into a large-scale floor composition that creates a new public plaza. Entered via a red-carpet pathway, the artwork guides visitors towards a central floor labyrinth and, ultimately, a compass whose symbolic north represents guidance, possibility, and the future paths of the participating students. At its heart, the work offers a moment of joy, reflection, and orientation for all who pass through.
Do take a look, it is only a short distance from East Croydon station. The artist assures me the compass correctly points due North.