Making Space is a multi-sited commission by London-based artist Jessie Brennan for the Royal Docks in Newham, commissioned by the Royal Docks Team, and produced and curated by UP Projects.

​

The Royal Docks was once the largest enclosed docks in the world, as well as being the birthplace of Tate & Lyle’s first sugar cube and the site of Britain’s very first flyover. The Docks have since borne witness to the decline of the maritime industry, numerous development schemes, and an influx of tourism as London continuously expands outwards. Today, this unique waterfront is preparing for London’s largest regeneration project to date.

​

Comprised of a series of large-scale artworks, Brennan’s new commission takes visitors on a journey through the historic, social, political and economic factors that have impacted this area of London and shaped its identity.

​

For Victoria Dock Road tunnel, Brennan has produced an artwork titled Go The Distance with Peacock Gym. Founded in 1978, Peacock Gym is one of London's most respected community boxing gyms with former members including Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis. Meanwhile, its academy for young people focuses on improving mental and physical health with its ethos of “education through sport.” Brennan has transformed images from its archive into a collaged text piece that reflects the community’s history.

 

Custom House is Our House is installed on a two-storey wall facing Custom House station. This life-sized group portrait brings together individuals who live, work or own businesses on Freemasons Road which is soon-to-be redeveloped. The artwork has been closely developed with members of the People’s Empowerment Alliance for Custom House (PEACH) who are now working with Newham Council to consult on local regeneration.

​

Installed across the façade of the Royal Docks Adventure, a charitable organisation offering sporting opportunities to local people, Brennan showcases the evocative artwork, Take Your Place. Printed in large-scale neon yellow letters, the artwork is visible at a distance, from the DLR, neighbouring homes and hotels. The words ‘Take Your Place’ refer to taking one’s position in a rowing shell, influenced by Brennan’s conversations with the local sporting community and particularly London Otters, London's LGBTQI-friendly rowing club. This statement is also a call to action that invites people living in and travelling through the Royal Docks to consider who London’s regeneration is for and to engage with the future of the Docks ahead of its imminent redevelopment.

​

The fourth artwork in the series, The People’s Plan, is currently being relocated. Drawing on a 1980’s community-led project of the same name. Supported by the GLC at the time, The People’s Plan opposed plans for London City Airport and imagined a new vision for the area, uniting the community through activism. The artwork was initially installed at Dock Road underpass where, for the first time since its original distribution, The Plan was reproduced for local communities and visitors to view.

​

​