Art was made social on the 11th and 12th October as part of Kensington and Hammersmith Open Studios. Many thanks to the 48 visitors who each spent a good hour or so absorbing the displays, watching the film programme, selecting and playing vinyl and then leaving a mark on the large scale drawing.
The curated film programme was called Home Sweet Home. This included 60s and 70s adverts and educational shorts, artist films and a recording of residents talking about their experience of housing in the area. I was also able to showcase some lovely drawings and photos produced by residents of Frinstead House at Silchester Estate.
Centre stage in the living room of the studio was a vinyl record player and an assortment of vinyl from the Beatles to Saturday Night Fever. Visitors had a positive engagement, especially the younger generation who had never seen a vinyl record in the flesh. A new song was penned at the event – Feel the Grove (Ladbroke), Feel the Groove.
My studio is a 1960s council flat in North Kensington. This will be redeveloped by RBKC and Peabody into 45 rented homes, 39 shared-ownership homes and 28 for outright sale. During my residency, I’m exploring themes connected with housing, regeneration and architecture.
This event provided a framework for thinking about 1960s social housing and contemporary regeneration.
Visitors comments:
Brenda Mercer: “Another great exhibition. Really interesting and lots to relate to.”
Morgan Tanawa-Bamba: “The exhibition was fantastic and very informative. Something everyone should see.”
Val: “What a great project. So much of the history and voice of the real local people seems to be lost in the quest for “development” – more please!”
Wendy: “A wonderful resource – alas only temporary. We need a permanent space of this kind in this area that all the communities can enjoy, reflect and learn from. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the short time I’ve spent here. Thank you!”




