Arts Festival Unravels The Stories Of Deptford

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 113 months ago
Arts Festival Unravels The Stories Of Deptford
Former foundry worker George Arthur
Former foundry worker George Arthur
Inside Anthology Deptford Foundry
Inside Anthology Deptford Foundry
In(ep)trepid will recreate the murder of Christopher Marlowe
In(ep)trepid will recreate the murder of Christopher Marlowe
James Capper's three-legged 'Tread Toe'. This, or something similar will be on show
James Capper's three-legged 'Tread Toe'. This, or something similar will be on show
Light box installation by Cedric Christie
Light box installation by Cedric Christie
Tiles that tell a story, by Tisna Westerhof
Tiles that tell a story, by Tisna Westerhof

A new pop-up arts festival has emerged out of south east London. Deptford Stories is a heady combo of mixed-media installations, sculpture, prints, light displays, textiles, and even tiling. It also aims to unravel some of the yarns involving lives and legends of the area.

The event — happening on the evening of Friday 31 October, followed by a full programme the next day — is in and around Anthology Deptford Foundry on Arklow Road Trading Estate. Attendees can admire, and interact with, works by London-based artists including James Capper (creator of moving sculptures like 2010's Tread Toe), Cedric Christie (notable for his light boxes and bashed-up cars), and Tisna Westerhof. The latter has crafted antique-looking tiles with a modern twist, which act as glazed vignettes of London life. For the festival, she's created a tile installation on a Deptford theme.

Anthology Deptford Foundry isn't just hosting Deptford Stories — it also has a starring role. A soundscape will play throughout the festival — inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the sounds of the old foundry, along with sound bites from George Arthur, a local who worked here during in the 1960s (George will also make a personal appearance).

On of the most notorious episodes in the history of Deptford was the murder of playwright Christopher Marlowe in a tavern in 1593 (at least that's what is widely believed). On Friday night, theatre group In(ep)trepid recreate Marlowe's final night, with a 20-minute performance in the courtyard. These will take place every half hour, before a 'surprise finale' at 8.30pm.

Music is provided by Lit FM, a London-based 10-piece alternative jazz-funk band (that's Friday night). On Saturday, JD and the Longfellows ply audiences with their violin-driven folk, with a chaser of electro swing band goodness, courtesy of Booty Swing.

Pig&Rig is dishing out hog roasts, while The Black Cab Coffee Co and Brockley Brewery take charge of the drinks.

The festival is the brainchild of pop-up pioneers Greenspace, in cahoots with Harts Lane Studios and Goldsmiths. This is the first time Anthology has hosted a pop-up event of this kind, but we hope not the last.

Deptford Stories takes place 31 October 5-9pm and 1 November 11am-6pm. It's free to attend. Exhibitions are then open from 2-16 November, by appointment only.

Last Updated 17 October 2014