Features • Walthamstow

In the roundel

28 December, 2020 12:00 am
2 Min Read

Mosaics made with help from local residents decorate borough stations, writes James Cracknell

The new roundel outside St James Street Station, made by Walthamstow artist Maud Milton
The new roundel outside St James Street Station, made by Walthamstow artist Maud Milton

Roundel mosaics now adorn several railway stations in the borough, using tiles designed by local residents.

Walthamstow artist Maud Milton created the roundels during lockdown this year after 150 takeaway tile boxes were sent to local households, reaching 450 people of all ages. Tile recipients pressed their own designs, guided by instructional videos, before returning them to Maud to trim, fire and glaze.

The words that appear on the murals represent people, places and feelings of local relevance, which were suggested by residents on social media. They include “St James Park”, “family” and “Warner”.

Maud is the founder of art organisation Artyface, which works with schools, communities and organisations to create public mosaics in and around London. St James Street Big Local and L&Q Homes funded new roundels at St James Street and Walthamstow Central stations, after similar artworks at Highams Park, Chingford and Leytonstone High Road were warmly received.

Maud said: “I was overwhelmed by all the lovely notes that came back with the community tiles. The overriding comments were that this project had helped people to feel connected to their community despite their current isolation.

“The other common feeling was that making their own unique tiles for the project gave them some hope, something to look forward to. I am so glad that we could provide a glimmer of something good and fun to do.”

St James Street Big Local is a group of local volunteers investing £1million of National Lottery funding in the St James Street area of Walthamstow.

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