Bankside’s business group has commissioned an ‘Alchemist in Residence’ to uncover and amplify Bankside’s unique identity, writes Molly Hunt.
The experimental commission, won by creative studio Kerbside Collective, will delve into Bankside’s history, culture, community and everyday life.
From now until Thursday 27 August, Kat Pegler and Helen Kearney of Kerbside Collective (a sound artist and creative urbanist) will run “Layers of Bankside” sessions at Arch 23 on The Low Line, the row of old Victorian railway arches near the river.
Local businesses, workers and residents are invited to join the alchemists in uncovering Bankside’s stories – from earth listening and exploring the area’s urban soundscape, to gathering personal accounts and visiting overlooked places in the area.
Kat Pegler and Helen Kearney said that helping to bring Bankside’s unique identity to the surface is a privilege. They added that they are using “unusual, experimental approaches that should help reveal completely new aspects of the area’s uniqueness and we want as many Banksiders as possible to get involved.”
The collaborative project aims to transform Arch 23 into a living exhibition, creating new public artwork in the neighbourhood.
Since Bankside’s inception, the area has been rich in art, food and industry. Between the 12th and 16th centuries, falling outside the City of London’s strict jurisdiction, Bankside became known for its theatres, bear-baiting and taverns, which attracted visitors and trade.
Nicole Gordon, Better Bankside CEO, said that Bankside is a “world-class neighbourhood” with a special character.
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“With globalisation resulting in homogenous city cores, it is Bankside’s distinct identity that makes our incredible district stand apart and keeps it in demand.”
The project follows Better Bankside’s recent Frida Kahlo mural with Tate Modern, another attempt to bring art out onto the streets and beyond gallery walls.
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