A series of workshops exploring the art of clay tile carving as a way of recording stories and experiences, run with members of the public, and with existing social clubs including older people and those with debilitating motor-function conditions.

Following the prompt ‘What does the city of London mean to you?’ we had the opportunity to hear from long-term residents from the East of the city, from a retiree who would push his friend into the dock then dive in to ‘rescue’ him so both would be rewarded with free whiskey, to the youth finding respite in natural parks and computer screens alike.

Using a recycled grogged clay mix, participants were guided through various techniques for mark-making and encouraged to experiment with the material and follow their own creative path, before the tiles were glazed and fired. Some were used to decorate our competition-winning bench in Thames Barrier Park, whilst the remainder are on temporary display before being given back to their original carver.

Made possible by funding from the London Festival of Architecture through their Pews and Perches Competition, with a focus on sustainability and ‘Our People, Our Stories’, with site and local delivery facilitated by The Royal Docks. Workshops run in collaboration with The Community Shop Newham, Green Fair by Sustainable Newham, and Art in the Docks.