AFTER an interval of more than 40 years an artist has been reunited with one of his cutting edge pieces of work.

Designer, sculptor and artist Bill Mitchell, now 86, was the guest of honour when his now-restored Erith mural was formally unveiled at its new site.

The mural, depicting scenes from Erith’s history, was installed on the front of the newly-built Riverside baths in Erith High Street in the 1960s.

When the baths were demolished 18 months ago, the mural was removed and sent away for restoration.

It has now been mounted in a steel frame and installed in Erith’s Riverside Shopping Centre, next to the Blockbusters store.

It is set in a landscaped area with an engraved stainless steel information board, seating and lighting.

Mr Mitchell, whose art studio is on the roof of the Harrods store, said: “The last time I saw the mural was when it was put into the wall at the Riverside baths 45 years ago.”

“I didn’t think it would weather very well. It must have been very difficult to clean, but the restoration is fabulous.”

He added: “I am told the best time to see it is at night when it is floodlit.

“I am going to come back with a cameraman and take a film of the square.”

Mr Mitchell, who is still producing commissioned works, used a new technique involving sand and epoxy resin, to produce his Erith work.

He said it was a great honour to be invited to the unveiling.

Mr Mitchell added: “But the greatest thing is it has been saved and is still here.”

He now intends to contact English Heritage to see if the mural can be listed.