King Edward Memorial Park, London
King Edward Memorial Park: PARK PARK, Matheson Marcault
Year
2018-2024
Client
fereday pollard for Tideway
Artist
Matheson Marcault
Service
Commission Management
Location
King Edward Memorial Park, London
A collection of visual rules for games park users can play for the hoarding at King Edward Memorial Park
This hoarding project presents a striking visual collection of rules for games that visitors can enjoy in King Edward Memorial Park in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The games were developed through an exciting collaboration between the local community and Whitechapel-based artists Matheson Marcault (Holly Gramazio and Sophie Sampson).
The project began in spring 2017 with the aim of developing a series of five short games that park users of all ages and abilities could play in the park and surrounding areas. Matheson Marcault initially led workshops with members of the local community to discuss games played today as well as those of yesteryear.
“Familiar lamposts and trees are reframed as giant or tiny, made into game pieces and shuffled around. The hoarding becomes an extension of the park itself, and an invitation to play within it.”
Following these workshops the artists developed and tested five sets of simple and physical games that can be played on your own or in small groups without the need for any special equipment. The games can be played in different ways for different lengths of time and highlight or heighten particular aspects of the park. Matheson Marcault’s intention is for park users to experience the natural surroundings of the park as a ‘home for imagination’ within the middle of a city.
The hoarding was de-installed in 2024.
“Fresh design. Contemporary, fun. I haven’t seen anything like it before: games on hoardings. A great idea!”
Matheson Marcault is Holly Gramazio and Sophie Sampson. Based in Whitechapel, they work with culture, history and play in physical spaces, using game design to engage people with place and ideas. They work with museums, festivals, public spaces and online platforms.
Holly Gramazio (b. 1981) was formerly lead game designer at Hide&Seek. She is particularly interested in site-specific work, movement and play. Sophie Sampson (b. 1978) came to games as a writer and producer and brings a strong interest in projects rooted in history and archives.
For more information see:
www.tideway.london