Robin Hood Gardens: Voices from within

We gathered oral histories from residents and community leaders to go beyond architectural debates and highlight everyday life on the Robin Hood Gardens estate. This was the starting point for meaningful and creative enquiry, feeding into the artworks you see here.

Centring residents’ voices ensured an authentic, people-first perspective, placing their memories and insights at the heart of understanding east London’s social housing and shaping its legacy.

Written by: Afia Yeboah, Senior Producer Community Partnerships at V&A East
Published: May 2025

Description: Painting titled ‘In the Middle of It All’
Maker: Serra Luthena

Description: Painting titled ‘The walls don’t speak but the people do’
Maker: Faith Iyobhebhe

Description: Painting titled ‘The Grid’
Maker: Sam Elbahja

Collecting Stories