COCKNEY GREEN
Freelance Artists- We believe all art is healing
ABOUT US
At Cockney Green, we believe all art is therapy — a powerful force for personal wellbeing and a catalyst for bringing communities together.
Founded in 2019 by Kathryn and Alan after a heartfelt conversation on a warm summer evening about the power of art to connect people, Cockney Green grew from a shared mission: to make art accessible, meaningful, and healing for everyone. What began with a commission for British Rail celebrating Cockney culture has blossomed into a vibrant creative studio based in London.
Today, we work closely with local schools, businesses, and community groups, using art to spark conversation, foster connection, and inspire positive change. Our services include striking murals and street art, interactive graffiti, arts and crafts activities, and educational and team-building workshops — all designed to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience the therapeutic benefits of creativity first-hand.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that art can transform not just walls, but lives: revitalising uninspired spaces, supporting mental health, and nurturing a genuine sense of belonging.
Whether you'd like to merge your business with the local community, commission a unique piece of art, or organise a graffiti workshop, we’d love to hear from you.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Kathryn McGuinness BA (Hons) PGCE
Kathryn McGuinness is an artist and experienced Art & Design teacher with over 25 years in education, and a graduate of Chelsea College of Art, The London Institute of Printing, and Greenwich University. She is currently developing her personal art practice while working towards a Master’s in Art Psychotherapy, guided by a deep belief in creativity as a tool for wellbeing, healing and connection.
Kathryn delivers inclusive, personalised art sessions for people of all learning needs, working from her private studio and in partnership with schools, businesses, and community organisations. Her creative journey spans education, professional design, and public art, with projects across London and previous roles as official wedding stationery designer for Stationers’ Hall and the Institute of Directors.
Inspired by the idea that art can support healing, confidence, and self-expression, Kathryn is co-founder of Cockney Green, where she designs and leads creative workshops rooted in creative health, education, and community impact — creating spaces where people feel welcome, supported, and proud of what they create.
Alan Davies AKA @MSSY227
Alan is a London-based artist with a lifelong passion for street culture. After years spent DJing, producing music, and pioneering the pirate radio scene, Alan turned to painting in 2019 following the loss of his mum — an experience that revealed art’s ability to bring comfort and connection.
Alongside his collaborative work with Kathryn, Alan also develops his own independent projects celebrating Cockney culture. He works closely with the Pearly Kings and Queens, capturing their rich heritage with a passion for street art.
Alan’s work is driven by the belief that art can transform not just spaces, but lives — especially when it inspires young people and communities to express themselves freely and proudly.
Values & Mission
Rooted in the Cockney spirit of family and community, Kathryn and Alan believe in the power of creativity to transform people, places, and lives.
They deliver accessible, inclusive creative programmes across schools, workplaces, and community settings — from educational art workshops and printing to canvas work, murals, and social painting experiences. Every session is adapted to its environment, purpose, and audience, ensuring creativity is meaningful, engaging, and impactful.
With 25 years of teaching experience, Kathryn ensures each workshop is well-structured, enjoyable, and informative, leaving participants feeling confident, inspired, and uplifted. Alan brings a bold, colour-driven ethos — transforming dull spaces into vibrant ones and championing the belief that there is no wrong or bad art.
Together, Kathryn and Alan have delivered a wide range of creative projects — from designing a mural with British Rail at Millwall FC, to running summer school art programmes across London boroughs. More recently, they created a commemorative mural for The London Can Makers, featuring a WW2 fighter plane signed by 92-year-old pilot Bell, celebrating heritage, memory, and storytelling through art.
They run a free community youth Graffiti Club at the newly built super community hall at LEX2, Livesey Exchange 2, 567 Old Kent Road, where young people have fun painting seasonal windows for Halloween and Christmas, letting their imaginations run wild. They also deliver graffiti experiences for corporate team building, birthday parties, and workshops, and collaborate with Bermondsey BID and businesses in Richmond, Weybridge, and Kingston to bring colour, creativity, and joy to local high streets.
Kathryn and Alan are actively seeking funding to continue running their Graffiti Club and expand their programme, offering more creative experiences to the community and inspiring people of all ages to explore, create, and connect through art.
