Strand on the Green Coat of Arms by Deborah Brown

 

The neighbourhood has a wealth of memorable features which I have reflected in my design. 

 

The central shield is criss-crossed by oars used by rowers from Chiswick school and contains the symbol for Strand on the Green School where our daughter went to primary school. The shield also has the iconic Kew bridge and the recently renovated water fountain as well as a sailboat representing leisure activities on the Thames.

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One of the representative wildlife features that local runners, walkers and residents will recognise are the blue grey herons, one of many bird species that live along the river. A peacock butterfly serves as the crest. This is one of a few local species that I’ve spotted feeding from the flowers in my front garden. 

 

I incorporated wisteria into the design as the mantling which can be seen on many of the houses in the strand area. The bees invoke the abundance of the Thames road allotments and the hard work of our community gardeners. 

 

The lamp post, drawn in place of the crown, reflects an everyday neighbourhood sight and the radiance of knowledge and education. 

 

I chose to write a motto in English to make it more accessible ‘nature, community, education’ reflecting some of the key attributes of the neighbourhood. 

 

The piece is kept unified by adding more wisteria greenery to make the compartment.