Ever noticed how art can capture the spirit of a place? That’s exactly what The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic does. It’s a vibrant tribute to the canine residents of this very park.
The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic was created in 2018. Tessa Hunkin and the Hackney Mosaic Project brought this masterpiece to life. The mosaic celebrates over 50 local dogs who frequent Hackney Downs. Tessa Hunkin found inspiration in the dogs that she saw running around the park.
One of the volunteers suggested adding dog names to the artwork. This simple idea sparked something special. The project expanded to include smaller dog portraits. Eventually, The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic grew to feature 78 dogs. There is even space for more.
Tessa Hunkin has always enjoyed making things. She believes that the process of creating is very important for mental well-being. She also worked with a group at a mental health project. She noticed that the process of making had as much, if not more, therapeutic value than designing.
The London Olympics in 2012 provided an opportunity. It was a perfect opportunity for a large public mosaic. It could be made as a therapeutic exercise by a group of vulnerable adults. Hackney Mosaic Project started as a six-month project. They worked with people recovering from addiction. They also worked with people with other mental health problems. The project is still going strong after ten years. Some volunteers have been with the project since the beginning. They are now extremely skilled.
Many of the dogs featured in The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic are memorials. Tessa Hunkin is touched that owners find comfort. They are comforted in having their beloved pets immortalized in their favorite park.
Hackney Mosaic Project seeks to piece together fragmented lives. They give people a new focus. The group of volunteers is like a human mosaic. They are an assortment of different types, colors, and sizes. They can all work together on joint projects. They share a sense of achievement. The group is the most challenging mosaic. If any one of them is in trouble, they all come together and do what they can to help out.
The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic is made of ceramic tiles. It measures 200 cm in height and 1200 cm in width.
The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic includes a description. “THE HACKNEY MOSAIC PROJECT OFFERS YOU / THESE MAGNIFICENT DOGS IMMORTALISED / THERE’S HARRY, SUGAR AND FREDDIE TOO / WITH PLENTY OF OTHERS TO BE VIEWED / LIKE BIFF AND BEAU WITH CUTIE BOO / WHO POSED EAGERLY LOOK AT PEGGY SUE.”
The mosaic captures the joy of dogs unleashed. It brings a smile to everyone who passes by. You might even spot a dog you know. The Hounds Of Hackney Downs Mosaic is more than just art. It’s a community treasure.