Deptford Plinths
by Studio Weave, commissioned by Tideway
Studio Weave were commissioned by Tideway to create a series of artworks integrated into the new landscaping at the entrance points of Deptford Church Street’s Crossfield Open Space.
The artworks are civic, democratic in character. They are integrated with the new landscape. Cast in aluminium, they present abstract forms following in a modernist public art tradition. Inspired by Mary Lacy’s story, Studio Weave explored the ‘everyday values’ that characterise contemporary Deptford.
The Heritage Interpretation Strategy outlined the heritage theme for the East section of the tunnel as The Shipping Parishes – Gateway to the World. Within this framework, the site-specific narrative for Deptford Church Street centred on Mary Lacy, whose 18th-century memoirs detailed her life as a mariner and naval shipwright while disguised as a man under the name William Chandler.
Through a community consultation event at Deptford Lounge, residents discussed what they wished to see celebrated in Deptford. Four values were identified by the local residents, which informed the development of four corresponding plinths:
- “For Considering Our History”
- “Dead Bolshie”
- “It’s Complex”
- “Good Spirit”
Traditionally, public monuments have elevated figures of gods, leaders, and high achievers to heroic positions, symbolising grand ideologies and separating them from the everyday world. In contrast, Deptford Plinths redefines the plinth itself as an object of value. The four artworks have been placed modestly as part of the local landscape amongst new planting and seating as a backdrop to the everyday.
Studio Weave have said: “We are happy to be able to contribute to the public realm of Deptford. These artworks are a small part of a contribution to a rich community, delivered as an invitation to the people of Deptford to make use of them. We’re grateful to be part of a diverse series of commissions and for the curators’ support.”
