The Park Royals

The project, curated and produced by Create London, culminated in the creation of two large-scale photo-tapestries depicting a staged tableau populated by the diverse group of workers. The first tapestry is composed of a group of 11 ‘elders’; former factory workers from the post-Windrush generation who lived and worked in the area in the 1960’s-70’s. The second depicts younger workers descended from the first group and representative of the second and third generation who still live and work in the area. Using the photo-tapestries and the intricate process of making them, Abdu’Allah conceptually weaves together the two groups lives, stories and struggles.

The work illustrates the active role the elders played in the early years of triumphing over adversity and community building in Park Royal and its surrounding areas and how a younger generation have taken up this challenge. Throughout 2018, Abdu’Allah brought the group of workers together, often at his barber shop in Harlesden, to initiate local dialogue, record oral histories and explore the possibilities of societal change. To find out more about the process, read Faisal’s artist statement on Create London’s website.

The tapestry was revealed to the public during it's launch at Brent Civic Centre in early 2020, where they remained on show until being relocated to the nearby Central Middlesex Hospital.

This is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England as part of the Great Place Scheme. In March 2017, OPDC was awarded a grant of almost £1.5 million to deliver The Great Place Scheme, an ambitious and community-focused three-year programme of activities, events and projects.

OPDC leads: Grace Williams – Great Place Scheme Programme Manager, Sid Patrick – Great Place Scheme Project Support Officer, Priya Jethwa – Arts in Industry Community Organiser

Key partners and stakeholders: Create

In the Making is a collection of activities that OPDC will deliver to shine a light on the positive changes happening now as part of this once-in-a-lifetime regeneration opportunity, delivering everyday improvements with local communities.