Design Day, the outcome

Design Day was very successful. Residents braved the London rain to put their thoughts and ideas on paper with the support of a pool of creative professionals, including representatives from the housing development L&Q.

A number of artworks were selected on the day to be taken to the next stage. The graphic representations (see the presentation below) help visualise what the designs may look like if they were manufactured. There is a fantastic wealth of content in the presentation below that can be brought together to form a body of public artworks, as envisioned by residents. The presentation was shared with residents for them to select and discuss the next stages.

The artworks drew their inspiration from Haggerston's incredible history of textiles and silk weaving.

© V&A

In 1831 - 32, the population of Spitalfields, which then encompassed Haggerston, counted 50 to 100,000 dependent on silk weaving. There were 14 - 17,000 looms, including 100 Jacquard looms.  A weaver generally had two looms, and children started work at 6 - 7 yrs-old to gum silk.

In the beginning of the 18th century, designs were naturalistic. 1730's saw innovation in the creation of 3D patterns. 1740's were full of flowered silk design and botanical inspiration. In 1750's & 60's, designs became more stylised, fabrics stiffer, and metallic threads started appearing giving a beautiful voluptuous look to dresses. From 1770's, patterns were becoming more informal, using stripes and shapes. By the end of the 19th century, the Neo-Classical patterns were dominating the industry.

Thank you to London & Quadrant for the opportunity.
Thank you to all residents who contributed, and to the professionals who made this day a success.
Karen Janody - Project Director
Asha Rapjut - Graphic Designer
Julian Taylor - Metal sculptor & blacksmith
Katy Dawe - Textile artist
Lucy Ferguson - Coordinator & resident briefing
Mary Spyrou - Textile historical research

Julie Conrad & Graham Girling from L&Q Group.

Design Day

Do you live locally?

We'd love to hear from you!

Design Day is a platform where residents meet professionals in the art/design/housing sectors for a day to come up with ideas and design that could form part of the landscape of the new housing development in Kingland & Haggerston West.

The aim of the event is that by the end of the day, a number of ideas and concepts can be taken away to be manufactured, and be placed within the outdoor defensible areas, railings, and gates.

The day is open to all residents, members of the neighbourhood, creatives and public artists.  All ages welcome (as long as no supervision is necessary).

The input from professionals is very particularly aimed at young residents as an opportunity to gage feedback from professionals on their ideas on the day and also get specialised advice, find out how to improve their chances to get internships, jobs, build their CV and portfolio. To enable this, there will be a Q&A post lunch and a chance to speak to someone on a 1-2-1.

Lunch will be provided to help create a self-contained day, promoting creative input and focus.
Haggerston Community Centre, 179 Haggerston Road, E8.

If you can't make it, don't be sad as you will also be able to send your idea by drawing directly into a railing:
Download this image and return to the L&Q Canal Side office, 240a Kingsland Road, London E2 8AX.

Alternatively, email karen[at]creative-city.co.uk for any query or information.



We, at Creative City, have carefully chosen our team of experts:
Graham Girling (L&Q Regeneration Project Manager) on landscaping & architecture for housing,
Asha Rajput (graphic design & cartographer) on design,
Julian Taylor (artist & blacksmith) on metal work consultancy,
Mary Spyrou on the local historical of fabrics,
Lucy Ferguson (YH World) as a moderator on the day,
Katy Dawe as textile consultancy on the day,
Ergal Hassan (YOH).