Artistic Programme

Our Artistic Programme

Cultural, active and community events in healthy river environments. Accessible by all, enjoyed by all.

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Reflections Sing for Water Thames Lens Tide Changers Totally Thames Other artistic projects...

Education Programme

Our Education Programme

Inspiring the next generation of river ambassadors. Our creative education programme helps children and young people to connect and learn about rivers, creating work inspired by its culture, community and ecology.

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Kids' Choir River of Hope Rivers of the World The Story of Water Other education projects...

Heritage Programme

Our Heritage Programme

Unearthing and reconnecting local communities to the river's rich history and cultural importance.

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A Voyage Through Time Foragers of the Foreshore London's Lost Village Places of Change The Islanders Other heritage projects...

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Life Afloat (2016)

Life Afloat (2016)

The history of the floating villages on London’s Tidal Thames.

Just over 15,000 people live afloat in the UK today, with over 1,000 people living in floating residences on the tidal Thames. The first of these moored communities dates back to the 1930s. They proliferated in the 1960s and 70s as a cheap, alternative way of living in the capital. Although costs have escalated, the number of people living afloat has doubled over the last twenty years. However for many, life afloat lacks security and is a very fragile existence.

Until now, the story of living afloat has been largely unknown and one with no written account. Life Afloat draws together the past and the present through photography by Katherine Fawssett, film by digital:works, interviews, and archive research by volunteers from University College London, the London School of Economics and the Geffrye Museum to bring this untold history to life.

Battersea

St Mary’s Church and Albion Quay, Oyster Pier & Plantation Wharf

Bermondsey

Tower Bridge Moorings

Brentford

The Hollows, Victoria Steps, Watermans Park and Lot's Ait

Chelsea

Cheyne Walk Moorings

Chiswick

Chiswick Mall, Chiswick Pier and Cubitts Yacht Basin

Hammersmith

Hope Pier and Dove Pier

Isleworth

Thistleworth Marine

Nine Elms

Nine Elms Pier

Richmond

Duck's Walk

Wandsworth

Wandsworth Riverside Quarter, Prospect Quay

Wapping

Hermitage Community Moorings

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Check out all our videos, images, podcasts, interviews, workshops and much more.

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More from our heritage programme

A Voyage Through Time (2022-2023)

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, A Voyage Through Time takes a group of students from NewVic College on a journey of historical discovery.

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Foragers of the Foreshore (2019)

Dig deep into the history of mudlarking.

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London's Lost Village (2020-2022)

The history of Trinity Buoy Wharf and the Leamouth Peninsula.

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Places of Change (2023)

Lodging houses and other spaces in London’s Royal Docks

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The Islanders (2020-2021)

The industrial and community heritage of Silvertown & North Woolwich.

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