Celebrate Lewisham’s rivers at the Street Waders launch
Goldsmiths, University of London; the Quaggy Waterways Action Group (QWAG); and the Council invite residents to this free event at Plough Bridge Gardens (next to the Premier Inn on Lewisham High Street). The event includes a talk from the artist, a chance to ask questions, and an optional 90-minute river walk led by QWAG, featuring historic images and a guided exploration of the local waterways.
Street Waders reflects the changing environment around the River Quaggy and responds to the weather by turning with the wind, like a weathervane. Commissioned as part of Lewisham Underwater, the sculpture draws on local flood memories and reconnects residents with their rivers through creative projects – including a flood-themed beer.
The project is part of In Living Memory, a programme led by Goldsmiths during Lewisham’s year as London Borough of Culture 2022, celebrating its heritage through community storytelling and creative events.
The sculpture is the centrepiece of Plough Bridge Gardens, a new green space created in the heart of Lewisham. It serves as a powerful reminder that flooding is not just a historical concern but a growing issue linked to climate change. With features like a rain garden designed to ease pressure on sewers and rivers, the installation is a vivid example of art reflecting life.