Unearthing London's Lost Rivers Through Found Objects and Art Installation

Dragon sculptures on the Holborn Viaduct overlook the streets of London, capturing the city's historic charm and grandeur.

London is a vibrant city filled with historical echoes and contemporary energy. Yet, beneath its lively surface lie hidden rivers that once coursed through the city. These lost waterways preserve memories that have been overshadowed by urban development. As I explored these forgotten rivers, I realised I could illuminate their existence through the lens of found objects and art installations, creating a bridge between the past and present.

The Forgotten Rivers of London

An intricate network of rivers weaves together London. Many of these, such as the Fleet, Tyburn, and Westbourne, have been concealed or altered over the years. Historically, these rivers have played vital roles in the city’s ecology and daily life, serving as fishing spots and providing drinking water. For instance, the Fleet River was once so integral to the community that it supplied local businesses and households until industrialisation led to its burial beneath the streets in the late 19th century. The Westbourne River, once lined with thriving communities, has now been transformed into a sewer.

Many of London’s waterways have been hidden from view, yet their influence remains palpable. The stories of these rivers inspire me to consider how art can revive their legacies into the present time and our collective memory.

Present Time Memorised in Found Objects

Sitting on the bench at St Pancras Old Church, I find myself reflecting on both the past and the present.

In my search for these lost rivers, I began collecting items found above hidden watercourses. Discarded bottle caps, e-cigarette packaging, used train tickets, hairbands, plastic strings, flyers, receipts, lottery tickets, and more illustrate our current urbanised lifestyle above those concealed rivers. Each object was once owned by someone, separated from them, and became a reminder of the human activities that took place in that location. If these objects were to remain in place for many years, they would be buried, becoming part of a layer of earth formations and preserving memories of our activities. This thought led me to the realisation of how the earth, or soil, captures memories through its geophysical characteristics, geochemical compositions, and the remains of human artefacts.

By removing these objects from their locations, I was extracting evidence of human existence, much like archaeologists. I felt that found objects served as souvenirs of modern human activities above the lost rivers. Furthermore, examining these objects made me think about how our lives are now increasingly separated from rivers, and ultimately, from nature. This offered me an opportunity to reflect on how we might reclaim these lost landscapes and reconnect with nature.

Art Installations Inspired by Rights of Nature

Motivated by my findings and realisations, I decided to transform these found objects into an art installation. The goal was not only to remember the lost rivers but also to spark a dialogue about our connections to nature. Coincidentally, while I was working on this project, the book 'Is a River Alive?' by Robert Macfarlane was published by Penguin Books. This book explored the concept of the Rights of Nature, suggesting that rivers are not merely resources for human use, but living beings like ourselves. I felt that his book shared my earlier inspirations and concepts for this project, which led me to collect fragments along the hidden rivers (see my previous post) and provided me with a clear purpose for the installation.

First, I want my installation to encourage viewers to be aware of the hidden rivers that flow beneath our feet. Then, I hope that viewers will at least recognise the sacrifices these rivers have made in shaping current-day London, and that some will acknowledge rivers as living beings, becoming aware of the Rights of Nature.

City and Nature: How We Coexist?

Ongoing intervention along the London waterways

Exploring London's lost rivers through found objects and art installations has deepened my understanding of the city. By incorporating found objects, I aim for the installation to encapsulate the interplay between human activities and natural elements. I hope it will evoke emotions and prompt inquiries about how we coexist with nature while living in an urbanised environment. The reconciliation between urban growth and nature is crucial in an era where environmental concerns demand our attention, urging us to seek new pathways for coexistence.

I hope this project amplifies the voices of rivers, raises awareness of London’s forgotten waterways, and fosters critical discussions about harmonising human life with nature.