This is Hackney!
100 self-portrait models were created as part of the peace mural’s 40th birthday
“Hackney Peace Mural is a landmark. It’s a celebration of people getting together and protesting for something positive,” says ‘This is Hackney!’ project participant Julie Ford.
She continues: “It’s full of diversity of people and cultures and beliefs. It’s vibrant and full of music… this is Hackney!”
One hundred miniature self-portrait models are currently on display in the window of the Dalston CLR James Library as part of Hackney Peace Mural’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
The intergenerational art installation, called ‘This is Hackney!’, explores the thoughts provoked by the mural, messages of peace and what it feels like to be a part of the community.
Hackney is historically a home for artistic calls for peace. Community art continues to tell the stories that often get lost in the history books.
Watch a video about ‘This is Hackney!’
Marie Murray, Director of Dalston Curve Garden, explains: “The mural is a long-standing piece of public art right outside the entrance to the garden. It’s an iconic and much-loved part of our neighbourhood.
“The project celebrates our community’s creativity and the pride people feel in Hackney’s history and the mural.”
The project came about after members from the garden began working with Roland Walker, the son of Ray Walker who designed the mural, on the events commemorating the mural’s 40th anniversary this year.
Dalston Curve Garden designed a programme of workshops, partly funded by the Council, for pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School and older people from the garden’s social groups.
Together, they made miniature 3D models of themselves. Participants also spent time discussing the words and images in the original mural – and whether those messages of peace are still relevant today.
Holly, a pupil at Holy Trinity Primary School, says: “I enjoyed being creative. I feel amazed to see my work on display!”