Civic Rituals began as informal walks that asked how everyday acts of care can survive when redevelopment puts whole neighbourhoods at risk. What started as small gatherings soon became a programme dedicated to recording and celebrating the living culture of places undergoing rapid change.
Celebrating local pride, overlooked histories and forgotten memories, the Civic Rituals walking tours centred on civic-led stories about areas experiencing immense change.
Routes have taken us through Brixton and Walworth, with local people sharing what the areas mean to them at a more intimate level at this critical juncture in the areas’ history. Guided by local residents, stories have been shared through a variety of mediums, from heartfelt anecdotes to tasty delicacies, and are documented for future generations. This is love as an act of protest; supporting communities of resistance by celebrating parts of the city that aren’t necessarily led by capital.
The first edition, “A Love Letter to Brixton,” unfolded during Open City London. Campaigners from Save Nour, the volunteers at Brixton Windmill and Brixton Orchard (with Urban Growth), historians from the Brixton Society, and Dr Ayshah Johnston of the Black Cultural Archives each stopped the group to tell stories, share food or demonstrate local crafts. Participants then wrote or sketched their own love-letters, which formed the basis of an open call inviting wider mixed-media submissions.
A second tour, “A Love Letter to Walworth,” traced the high street with tailor George Dyer (the Threadneedle Man), author Mark Baxter, biodiversity champion Oli Haden of Walworth Garden, heritage officer Jessie Goodison Burgess, architect Josh Piddock (restoring Walworth Town Hall) and the herbalists of Baldwins. Again, walkers recorded memories and hopes for the area in personal letters.
The series has been documented in a map illustrated by Olivia Twist and in a limited-edition risograph poster produced with Syrup Magazine for Southwark Council’s Southwark Today exhibition at Walworth Library and Heritage Centre. We have also launched a campaign for a blue plaque to honour George Dyer.
Civic Rituals continues to walk, listen and archive, ensuring these love-letters remain part of the city’s story. Do you have a story to tell about your neighbourhood?