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

Description
In the Middle of It All
Artist/Maker
Serra Luthena
Date
2025
Object information
Museum Number
CD.12-2018
Description
Architectural model of Robin Hood Gardens, Poplar, London, by Alison and Peter Smithson, …
Artist/Maker
Smithson, Alison Margaret
Date
1970
Object information
Discover more
- A (fun) beginners' guide to Brutalism
Museum Number
FA.79[O]
Description
Near Blackheath: Blackwall Reach from Charlton Fields
Artist/Maker
Holland, James
Location and Date
Britain, ca. 1834
Materials/Techniques
Oil paint, Canvas, Oil painting
Object information

Robin Hood Gardens: Voices from within

Discover more