A new documentary reveals the Walthamstow crocheter behind the borough’s most joyful street art, writes Marco Marcelline
Walk through Walthamstow long enough and you’ll eventually spot one: a colourful crocheted scene perched on top of a good old postbox.
The creator of these miniature scenes is Celia Berry, a long‑time Walthamstow resident who has quietly sprinkled some joy on local postboxes.
Her work has become so recognisable locally that filmmaker Xaymaca Awoyungbo centered his latest documentary, The Great British Yarn, around her eccentric and heartwarming postbox toppers.
Celia says never intended to become a local celebrity. “I just enjoy crocheting,” she explains, laughing. But what began as a single topper made during the pandemic has grown into more than 50 pieces sitting on postboxes across Walthamstow – from mythical beasts and carnival dancers to frogs and children’s book characters.
Her first challenge came from friend Caramel Quin, who happens to be a local councillor. “She dared me to cover every postbox in the ward,” Berry recalls. “I thought, why not?”
What followed were circus scenes, woodland creatures, seasonal displays, a Black History Month tribute, and Wallace and Gromit. As residents began sharing photos of the toppers online, Celia attempted to keep her identity largely under wraps. She says she liked watching people encounter her work without realising she was standing nearby.
“It’s lovely seeing someone smile at something you’ve made ‑ you don’t need them to know it’s you.” Her toppers are intricate, with some taking several weeks to complete. Some have been stolen – one particularly ambitious octopus topper vanished twice.
“The neighbours actually tracked it down the first time,” she says, amused. “It came back with an apology but then it disappeared again. You just have to laugh.”
Xaymaca first spotted one of Celia’s creations on his own street, and the idea for a documentary on postbox toppers and “yarn‑ bombers” was born.
The Great British Yarn also highlights groups like Walthamstow Welcome whose weekly and free craft sessions (knitting, sewing, crocheting) at Walthamstow Library helps asylum seekers and isolated residents bond through creativity.
Ultimately, Xaymaca hopes the film will encourage viewers to value the small everyday acts that strengthen and sustain a community. He said: “Even though you’re just one person, you could do a really small thing, and that could actually make people’s lives a bit better.”
Celia’s motivation is simple: “If I can do something small that makes someone smile or brightens their day, that’s enough.”
‘The Great British Yarn’ will be available to watch on YouTube channel Stow Stories from Monday 25th May
Keep up to date with Celia’s creations on Instagram: @craftyceals l See Xayamaca’s work here
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