THE MONOLITHS
contemporary public art
in Haggerston
The Tour
Are you ready?
Here you'll find a 'guided tour' of the Monoliths and other elements of the project as you explore Haggerston. You can also download the handy Map (above) to help you on your way. Enjoy!
You can reach Haggerston via the Overground Windrush Line.
Another great route to or from Haggerston is via the canal from Angel or Victoria Park. Come and enjoy yourself!
(pic shows the monolith at Hebden St)
Haggerston Overground Station
Haggerston Overground is on the Windrush line running north and south. Though the line opened in 2010, in fact there had been a line there since the 1860s, but this stopped in the 1940s. From Haggerston Station you can access the Regent's Canal, Haggerston Church, Kingsland Basin and of course the Monoliths. It is also an ideal starting point for a picturesque walk along the canal to Broadway market or Angel.
The Elliptical Switchback
The Elliptical Switchback is a huge mural by local artist Tod Hanson in the station's hall. It is inspired by Edmond Halley, a former Haggerston resident and 17th-century astronomer who discovered Halley's comet.
‘I like the idea of the artwork still being there in 2061 when Halley's comet returns.’ - Tod Hanson
'to know the road ahead'
Passing Stonebridge Gardens along Lee St you can perhaps glimpse the Blue Snake, in the children's playground. It's a mosaic climbing feature that has been a favourite of the Gardens since it was built years ago. Turn onto Haggerston Road, and you will see the first of the Monoliths.
'To know the road ahead' is one side of the triptych of monoliths by Bobbie Fennick and the first piece you see after the station.
“To know the road ahead, ask those coming back” is a well-known Chinese proverb and it fits well for this area, which has seen so many waves of migration and change. The stories held by the community are precious, as is the history of resilience and fortitude.
'ask those coming back'
The triptych has a trompe l'oeil effect so that depending on where you stand, you can perceive it as one piece or three.
Now, cross over Haggerston Street to see the Mosaic.
Tessa Hunkin’s Haggerston Mosaic
Hackney was known for its countryside estates and later for its abundant market gardens. it did not get to be highly populated until quite late. Tessa's design is based on Haggerston's rural past and is full of natural elements, like farm animals and fruit trees. When you look more closely, you can see the secret initials of local people who were in charge of different parts of the work, making the animals, plants, and birds.
The Open Door
Before the present development, the Haggerston and Kingsland estate was a large complex of brick apartment blocks built 1935-48 from Lee St to Whiston Rd across the canal.
The flats in the blocks all had the same kind of front doors and Bobbie Fennick's carving recreates the doors. This door is open - to the future.
(Notice the beautiful copper-coloured striations on the stone)
The Cupola
The Cupola is a particularly striking and evocative carving. It depicts the eye-catching cupola on the top of the nearby Haggerston Baths (see the Local History page). It reminds us of the wealth of architectural history in the area; much of it still can be seen.
Keep walking along Haggerston Road.
Sharks!
Whle the Sharks aren't part of the Monoliths project they are a distinctive and much loved feature of the area. Sharks! are five life-sized fibreglass model sharks. Designed by architect Jaimie Shorten, the art installation took first place in the Antepavilion art competition. The Sharks change regularly. Sometimes there are several on display, at other times just one.
The Regent's Canal
The Regent's Canal is one of London's loveliest and most interesting routes. You can walk from Paddington in the West to Limehouse Basin in the East. The stretch between Angel and Victoria Park is, in our opinion, the nicest.
Walk across the Haggerston Bridge. You'll see the secondary school Bridge Academy on your right, and a large Shark mural on your left. Cross over Laburnum Street and veer to your left. You will soon see the next monolith.
Swimmer's Lane: The Lock
It's true the Lock at Broadway Market is not very close to Haggerston, but it is such a familiar and historic meeting point that everybody felt that it deserved to be commemorated. As well as providing service to the many canalboat-dwellers on the Regent's Canal, the Lock is a place people like to gather in summer.
Bobbie Fennick's carving shows us the Lock from the boater's point of view, as you pass through the Lock gates.
The Railing
At the end of Swimmer's Lane, at Whiston Rd, you will see The Railing, perhaps the quirkiest of the Monoliths.
The railing that runs along Dunston Rd, separating the road from the canal towpath, had a set of bent railings that people from the Haggerston Estate used as a shortcut to reach the towpath. Anyone who lived on the old estate will know exactly what this carving depicts - but to anyone else, it's probably a mystery. Who knows what future generations will make of it!
Either way, the carving is beautiful, and you can peep through it to see the comings and goings on Whiston Rd.
Boat Lane and Hebden Street
Some of the streets in Haggerston are brand new and only appeared after the area was redeveloped. Boat Lane is one of these. it's named after the long-established Laburnum Boat Club that provides opportunities for the personal development of young people and the local community through participation in a range of water-based activities including kayaking and canal boating.
On Boat Lane and nearby Hebden St you'll see the two dressed stones. These do not have reliefs carved into them but they stand as starkly beautiful examples of monoliths.
The undressed stones allow you to notice the natural changes that happen as the stones are exposed to the weather and urban elements.
Behind the stone you can see the metal gates created by Orlando Richards, also commissioned by Creative City.
That's the tour done! Now what?
You can make your way down Laburnum Lane on the other side of Whiston Rd and go to Hoxton Overground Station. Or you can check out the Local History page and find some more fascinating Haggerston sites to visit.
Do let us know what you think about the tour in the comments section.