To celebrate shops on Aberfeldy Street reopening after lockdown, Meanwhile Space commissioned local illustrator Matt Ponting (aka Doodling Around) to work with a group of Year 9 pupils at Langdon Park School – all of whom live on the Aberfeldy Estate – to design colourful art for shop fronts. This collaborative
community art project represents a message of support from the young people to their local high street, and hopes to encourage more footfall by Tower Hamlets residents to the area in line with the #ShopSafeShopLocal initiative promoted by local authorities.
Participating Businesses
Aberfeldy Boxing Club
A non-profit organisation that was set up to help the community by getting kids away from knife crime and gangs. Run by Kirk Whitelock, a boxing coach and Aberfeldy Village resident along with a team of volunteers, the Boxing Club runs bootcamps and classes for people of all ages.
Making Space
An immersive arts, culture and heritage programme offering workshops for local people to learn ceramics, glass-making, music, and photography.
The Tommy Flowers
A community focused pub with a strong arts, cultural and heritage programme for local residents - now expanding next door to create a modular space and community kitchen.
Aberfeldy Big Local
A group of local people working to invest £1m of Lottery funding to make Aberfeldy a better place to live. When restrictions allow, they will be open for drop ins for a cup of tea and chat about the area.
Workshop 53
Located at 53 Aberfeldy Street, Workshop 53 offers a space with a fully-functioning wood workshop for local artists and designers to hire.
More Life Home
Recycling furniture to help the socially deprived turn houses into homes. Pop in to buy a piece or donate unwanted furniture to help someone in need.
Roots
Leon and Joshua are two Poplar locals who started their journey with the DigiBarber app that allows customers to book appointments easily with a local barber. They recently opened their flagship barber shop at 37 Aberfeldy Street.
With thanks to Spotlight for facilitating the virtual art workshops with the young people of Aberfeldy.