A derelict building at the entrance to Seven Sisters Underground station has been transformed into a striking piece of public art. Called Clay Station it’s made of hundreds of colourful, bespoke ceramic tiles which pays tribute to Tottenham’s rich history of pottery.
A commission for Art on the Underground – Transport for London’s public art programme – it will also see the former newsagent’s kiosk (lain empty for more than a decade) become a coffee shop so commuters will be able to enjoy a brew with their baroque.
“The entrance to this station hadn’t had a lot of love and we thought we’d bring a little colour and joy,” said artist Matthew Raw who created Clay Station along with award-winning architecture collective, Assemble. “Every single tile is hand rolled and unique and you can read into that what you wish. Maybe it represents the incredible variety of people in Seven Sisters. It is open to interpretation.”
Over the past couple of years Matthew, Assemble, trainees and members of the public have been busy making the art and at one stage a kiln was even set up in the building itself to fire the tiles.
The technique used for each tile was a lengthy process which entailed colouring blocks of plain white clay with body stain and mixing together different combinations before they were sized, rolled, moulded, cut, dried, fired and glazed.
“And the end result looks absolutely brilliant,” said Mark Wild, managing director of London Underground, present at the official opening. “This was a derelict and depressing building that has been transformed into something that will surprise and delight our customers and staff. It’s also important because this is the gateway to our station so it connects us to the amazing community around here and it’s an artwork that will last forever.”
Anthony Walsh and Abigail Holsborough (pictured) were the two trainees who worked on the project and they proudly pointed out some of the tiles they made.
“I made an error in the studio when I put some yellow in but it’s ensured this particular tile stands out!” he said laughing and pointing. “It was a really fun project to do and the finished project looks amazing.”
