The idea
Partnering with Central Saint Martins Design against crime unit, Urben, BAT Studio, artist and friend of Elliott's, Carne Griffiths along with seed funding from the Mayor of London, Wood Street Walls intends to create a new pocket park in Leytonstone, complete with "speaking benches".
The new space will contain seating, murals , space for a new Little Free Library and a bust of late Star Wars Special Effects artist and Leytonstone Legend Stuart Freeborn, who Elliott championed to have him celebrated by a blue plaque installed 3 years ago.
We hope that now, The Elliott Ashton gardens will be a fitting tribute to Elliott's contribution to Leytonstone and Waltham Forest Arts and Culture Landscape.
What we'll deliver
- Create a new community garden space for people to plant and learn how to grow herbs, plants and vegetables.
- Create three new wall spaces for artists to paint free of risk
- Periodic events to bring people to the site and enjoy the new gardens.
- Creating new seating (large portion of the project)
- Deliver 3 murals around the surrouding area, celebrating Elliot Ashton & his "Star Walls" project
- Create a bust of local Star wars special effects artist Stuart Freeborn
- Plant 5 new trees in the green space
- Install new paving
- Plant new plants and wild flower meadows
- Install a little free library
Why it's a great idea
We have been given permission by Network Rail to board the arches already and permission from our local authority, Waltham Forest to transform the space.
We need additional support to help uplift the green space area, install seating , spaces for bikes to be parked and make it interesting and welcoming to the area. We also want to erect a bust of Stuart Freeborn on the site, which was discussed with Elliot before his passing.
Steps to get it done
- Seek permission from Network Rail to board arches
- Board arches
- Consultation day - green space
- First Mural painting on bookable walls
- Murals x 3 painted in surrounding area
- Sculptor identified to create bust of Stuart Freeborn
- Scope to move trees to show all there arches
- Install/ Add seating
- Add shrubs to greenspace
- Install bike parking
- Install gravel area in front of each arch
- Seek permission from council to use lighting
- Uplight arches
- Grand opening
- Laying of paving
- Little Free Library Install
- Install and upload data onto Speaking Streets equipment
Elliott championed getting another local legend, Stuart Freeborn commemorated with a blue plaque 3 years ago - we want to finish the job in his memory.
