Grounded in the local community: how we developed the mural

Throughout the entire Whitechapel Stories project, we’ve worked with a broad range of local residents – researching historical content, gathering memories of the neighbourhood, seeking opinions on mural designs, and rolling up our sleeves in art workshops.

We started in summer 2024 with a series of eight weekly heritage workshops. Together we explored local landmarks, sought out historical resources at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives, searched through old newspapers online, and reviewed a variety of murals in the borough. And with guidance and case studies, the participants pursued their own research interests: a place, person or event that intrigued them.

In July 2024, over 60 people attended our Community Heritage Day in the gardens at John’s Place. An exhibition of over 120 historical images was strung between the trees, themed as ‘A Walk Along Whitechapel Road’. Four young interviewers – students at Stepney All Saints School – asked visitors about their connections with local heritage. And everyone shared their memories and mural ideas.

The John’s Place Tenants’ & Residents’ Association, led by Vernon Hunte (chair) and Jane Austin (secretary), has been at the heart of the entire project. Each member of the Committee brought their skills, ideas and enthusiasm to help keep us moving forward.

In autumn 2024, we brought together a Mural Panel – with a range of expertise and perspectives – which had the tricky task of whittling ten artists’ proposals down to one. After very considered deliberation, Frank Creber was chosen as the artist.

And then in January and February 2025, Frank led workshops with four local schools and community groups to gather ideas and inspiration for the mural. Each group focused on a theme, and created their own artworks, which we then displayed at the Town Hall and Watney Market Idea Store. Snippets of overheard conversation during these sessions were captured by artist, Julia Miranda, in a series of visual minutes.

By working in this way, we’ve endeavoured to incorporate a wide array of ideas, and we hope this is reflected in the final mural design.

These pages from the Whitechapel Stories booklet include further details and photos of the development process.

A heart-felt thank you to everyone who has contributed along the way.