Vinyl Replay at Open Studio event

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!"

Louisa And Lisa Hiett, residents of Waynflete Square, Silchester Estate.

Brenda and Kevin Mercer, residents of Shalfleet Drive, Silchester Estate.

Drawing by Awet, Hermela & Thomas Genet and other residents of Frinstead House, Silchester Estate.

Part of a series of panoramic photos taken by a resident from the 20th floor of Frinstead House. © Nahid.

Home Sweet Home. 48 minute film programme curated by Constantine Gras.