TALES IN TALES HAS TALES TO TELL

WE HAVE “TILES TO TELL!”

Our community mosaic project, Tales in Tiles, update

Over the last three months, we have taken over an empty shop unit in the much-loved Stratford Market Village, a vibrant part of the shopping centre normally home to independent world food vendors and sellers of everyday community essentials.

THE PEOPLE INVOLVED

The project began in March with a taster session, where local residents signed up to try their hand at mosaic making and see whether they wanted to take part in the wider community commission. Many of those who attended that first session continued with the project and became the core group who have been central to its success. 

Over the following months, other participants joined simply by walking past the open studio, becoming curious about what was happening and gradually joining the fold. People attended on Tuesday afternoons, Thursdays, and often both, creating a steady rhythm of creativity and conversation throughout the spring.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Most participants arrived with no prior mosaic experience, but over time developed impressive skills and confidence, learning different cutting techniques and ways of creating texture, movement and detail using ceramic and glass tiles. 

“It’s allowed me to develop skills that I wouldn’t normally use day to day, and I’m so grateful to know Tessa, Rada and Marguerite. The whole project has been absolutely amazing.”

Under the expert guidance of mosaic artist Rada Stilianova, participants not only learned a traditional craft, but also became part of a genuinely collaborative and supportive community.

The workshops brought together a remarkable cross-section of local people: female bus drivers, stay-at-home mothers, builders, ceramic artists, and grandparents in their seventies, all working side by side. 

“I was introduced to the class simply by walking past one day about four weeks ago. I asked what was going on, and Marguerite said, ‘Come in and join us, why not sit down and give it a try?’ 

BEING PART OF IT

What emerged was far more than an art workshop. Friendships formed, confidence grew, and participants became deeply invested in creating artworks that will remain a lasting part of the cultural landscape of their local area.

It has been a privilege for us at Grow Studios  to get to know everyone involved and to witness the generosity, patience, and enthusiasm that developed over the course of the project. As the original programme drew to a close, many participants expressed how much they would miss the sessions and the sense of connection they created. 

“I’m a full-time mum, and being part of the mosaic project has been amazing. It’s given me the chance to use a different part of my brain that I don’t often get to use in daily life. Coming here feels like an oasis of creativity and focus.

SO GOOD, WE’RE EXTENDING ANOTHER MONTH!

Because of the overwhelmingly positive response from both participants and visitors to the space, we are delighted to say that the project has now been extended for a further month and will continue every Tuesday throughout June at Unit 28 in Stratford Market Village.

“It’s allowed me to develop skills that I wouldn’t normally use day to day, and I’m so grateful to know Tessa, Rada and Marguerite. The whole project has been absolutely amazing.”

THE COMPLETED MOSIACS

The completed mosaics will be permanently installed at Alice Billing House, helping to celebrate both the building’s history and the creativity of the local community today. We are currently fundraising for a further three mosaic panels, which we hope to create next year in the new Community Pavilion once construction is complete.

“Ever since then, I’ve been really interested. Rada has been teaching me how to create beautiful mosaics, and it’s been a fantastic experience. To echo what Frances said, it’s going to be amazing when it’s all finished, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it installed in Stratford.” Daniel, Woolwich

“The image we’re creating is stunning,  it’s really something to be excited about, and I can’t wait to see it installed in Stratford. Hopefully I’ll be able to work on more projects in the future, and I’m really looking forward to that too.” Frances, Stratford