Shifting east London housing landscapes

Led by a group of young people who grew up in and around Robin Hood Gardens, we explored the ethics of care, authorship and artistic activism within east London and the V&A collection. Light and colour became ways to render the estate beyond its Brutalist design. Together, we created a film, publication, objects and artworks. Each echo the textures of place, memory and ritual that give this fragment a life beyond Storehouse, rooted in community and the sovereignty of local voices. This is a contribution to the living memory of Robin Hood Gardens.

Written by: Nate Agbetu, Robin Hood Gardens Project Lead and Founder of Free Form World
Published: May 2025

Description: ‘Through the window’ model
Maker: Faith Iyobhebhe

Description: Collage titled ‘The Streets in the Sky’
Maker: Mara Ahmed

Description: ‘There’s Rice At Home’ plates
Maker: Cristina Silva Essein

Description: ‘Robin Hood: The Arts of Occupation’
Maker: Ikram Chowdhury, Aaron Reid

Description: ‘The Colour Within’
Maker: Hoi Long (Adrian) Lai

Collecting Stories