Home Page



































Storytiles by Viève Forward

Tile Murals for Custody and Prison Cells

Charlie's Story Mural - Click to Enlarge

Storytiles are picture stories about real people with drug or alcohol problems who overcame their addictions with the help of local and national drug and alcohol agencies and now lead full and independent lives. These stories are printed on ceramic tiles which can be installed in cells in Police Stations and prisons. Seen by prisoners with similar problems, these murals sow the seeds of hope, and point towards agencies that can help.

The artist Viève Forward has created four Storytile murals:

  • Charlie's Story is about a former career criminal and Class A drug user who got clean and now works for a drugs agency himself
  • Martin's Story is about a homeless drinker who after several attempts succeeded in overcoming his alcoholism and is now settled in his own flat
  • Louise's Story is about a heroin-addicted prostitute who turned her life around
  • Tom's Story is about an addicted teenager who lived on the streets until he succeeded in giving up drugs

Each Storytile mural is trialled for eight weeks at Swindon's Gable Cross Police Station before being made available for you to purchase and install in the cells of your custody suite or prison.

Entering custody is one of two prime 'teachable moments', i.e. points at which drugs and alcohol users come face to face with the adverse consequences of their behaviour and are most open to change (the other being in A & E). Much petty crime is committed by those struggling to support a drugs habit, and a lot of anti-social and violent behaviour is fuelled by alcohol. Many women with addictions resort to prostitution to pay for their drugs. Addicts are often rejected by their families and are subject to homelessness, poverty, and ill-health; some die as a consequence of their unhealthy lifestyle or through overdose or suicide. By helping addicts get clean, Storytile murals can contribute to a reduction of crime and greatly improve the quality of life of everyone concerned.

Home                 Homeless