London

4. Riders of the apocalypse
Coldblow Lane, SE14, north end
Now this would never happen. Warmongering world leaders, and Michael Heseltine, race around the Earth, Dr Strangelove-like, on cruise missiles that spew trails of cash. A karmic shield of peace symbols has been launched to engage them. As a further nod to Kubrick, an embryonic space baby (William Hague?) looks on from a safer orbit. Designed by uber-muralist Brian Barnes in 1983.
Rating 7/10. Nice try, but Thatch is showing too much leg to make this palatable. Feature continues

5. Ode to the west wind
Corner of Poland Street and Noel Street, W1
This forgettable corner of Soho is energised by a rather surreal mural by Louise Vines (1989). A large piece of tree splits away, presumably caused by the titular ‘west wind’, while a man with a book looks on. Shelley lived round the corner on Poland Street, and so is one of the few Londoners to get the plaque-mural double-combo. Shame it isn’t much good.
Rating 6/10. Sorry, Percy.

6. Brixton river mural
Corner of Strathleven and Glenelg Roads, SW2
Brixton is home to several large murals, but this one (circa 1985) is our pick. A riverbank scene occupies the end of this semi-suburban terrace. At its heart, a watermill cunningly follows the building’s angles. Ingeniously, one of the windows is real, allowing a glimpse into what’s behind, and letting the occupants star in the mural.
Rating 7/10. Definite touches of genius, but needs a good clean-up.

7. Kilburn murals
Beneath Kilburn tube bridge, Kilburn High Road, NW6
Two and a half murals for the price of one. Not that we’re paying. Though if we had to spend a few coins on any of London’s murals it would be these, created in 2004 by the Signal Project as the largest commissioned work of graffiti in the UK. Images of people leaving the city for the countryside, and vice versa are accompanied by fanciful beasts and famous locals such as HG Wells. A splendid attention to detail, with many subtle references to local themes.
Rating 10/10. The best we’ve seen.