Glittering fragments catch the sunlight. These shimmering pieces form more than just art. They rebuild lives at the Hackney Mosaic Project.
The Hackney Mosaic Project is more than just colorful pictures. It helps piece back broken lives. It builds a new community. People come together around a shared vision.
Tessa Hunkin, a mosaic artist, started it all in 2011. She saw a way to help people struggling with addiction and mental health. The project teaches them to create stunning mosaic artworks. Volunteers from Lifeline and Hackney Recovery Service joined. They found confidence and purpose through art.
The Hackney Mosaic Project doesn’t just improve lives. It also brightens neglected corners of Hackney. The volunteers create large mosaics in parks. They also learn to make their own artworks.
In 2014, the Hackney Mosaic Project won Mosaic of the Year. The British Association for Modern Mosaic gave the award. The winning mosaics were at Shepherdess Walk and Hoxton Varieties. These mosaics draw from Roman styles. But they also show modern Hackney life. Judges admired that volunteers created the mosaics. Hunkin acted as the designer.
Look closely at the Shepherdess Walk mosaic. You’ll spot details from today. Frisbees and people using their phones are captured in tile. This mix of old and new makes the art special.
In Hackney Downs, there’s another mosaic. It is located inside the playground shelter. It features animals and was unveiled in 2014. Comedian Russell Brand and Councillor Jonathan McShane revealed it. The Hackney Council funded this project. It took nine months to finish.
The Hackney Mosaic Project has transformed lives. Participants include people from all walks of life. Some are recovering from addiction. Others have learning disabilities. Some were once homeless. They all contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
The project has also taken on commissions of all sizes. Public and private clients seek out the Hackney Mosaic Project. This includes a commission for the local branch of Sainsbury’s. The volunteers created 40 square metres of mosaic to cover an outdoor theatre. It was inspired by ancient mosaics.
You can see mosaics everywhere. Large ones in progress fill the space. Smaller ones hang on the walls. Mosaic designs scatter across Tessa’s desk. Individual mosaic panels display on a low wall outside.
The Hackney Mosaic Project sells individual works. You can find them in the studio. It is located in the Pavilion at Hackney Downs. You can also find them on Etsy.
The Hackney Mosaic Project relies on donations to keep going. These donations help cover the costs of materials. They also support the volunteers. Every contribution makes a difference.
The Hackney Mosaic Project creates beautiful art. It offers a path to healing and community. The mosaics stand as a testament to the power of art. They reflect the spirit of Hackney. They showcase the talent and resilience of its people.