Tom Hunter

'London Fields East - the Ghetto' by James Mackinnon and Tom Hunter. By permission of the artists. 1994

Sticking it out in London Fields

This three-dimensional model shows a row of houses in Ellingfort Road in Hackney. It is made from photographic images, paper and wood. Artists Tom Hunter and James McKinnon produced the model in 1994.

The artists' home

In 1994 squatters occupied much of Ellingfort Road. Hackney Council repeatedly threatened to evict them. Many of the squatters were artists who nick-named their street 'The Ghetto'. The artists wanted to record this exciting community in their work in a way that countered the Council's rejection of them as socially unacceptable.

Making a statement

The model comments on the use and regeneration of buildings in the city. It also explores the conflicts that occur between councils and communities. By highlighting the threat and explaining the importance of the artistic community, the residents eventually saved the street from demolition. The houses are currently being refurbished.

*All information from:

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/postcodes/places/E8.html

For Batter or Worse, Tom Hunter