The Museum of London, in collaboration with muf architecture/art, would like to invite the local community to participate in an event to turn Altab Ali Park into an open-air museum for one week during October 2010.
Community members are invited to contribute to the museum display by taking part in an archaeological dig in search of the remains of the 13th-century Chapel of the Blessed Mary of Matfelun, better known as ‘White-chapel’.
For the duration of the dig, the park will be transformed into a temporary, open-air museum. Here, members of the public will be invited to bring personal objects to site, where the presentation and interpretation of these objects will take place, alongside the park’s existing structures and monuments and the archaeological objects that will be retrieved from the excavations.
The project intends to explore the layers of history inherent in this part of Whitechapel, and study the processes by which material culture and its meanings are generated.
The dig is being carried out ahead of improvement works that are taking place in the area as part of the High Street 2012 programme which will improve and celebrate one of London’s great high streets, which links central London to the Olympic Park, to create great places for local people and visitors during the 2012 Games and beyond. The project aims to create a thriving high street where there is a sense of history, diversity, community, fun and well being. Visit www.highstreet2012.com for more info (external link).
Learn more about the significance of the Altab Ali Park site and the aims of the community project.
How to get involved
The events will take place in the park from Monday 11th until Friday 15th October 10.00-17.00. Unfortunately it will not be possible to open the site on any weekends.
A range of different activities will be offered on the site, aimed at both children and adults. Children can only take part as part of a pre-booked school group.
If you are over 18 years of age and interested in taking part in the dig and contributing to the design of the museum you may wish to pre-book a place on one of the participation sessions. Sessions will run for three hours each day, 14.00-17.00, between 11th and 15th October 2010.
The sessions are freely open to all adults but there are terms and conditions which all potential participants must read before booking a place. Read the terms and conditions.
To book sessions, or for any further questions, email Claire@muf.co.uk .
For those who are unable to take part in the on-site activities, there will be many opportunities to simply observe the activities and discuss the project with the archaeological team on site. So do come down to site and pay us a visit!
