Becontree Forever – A Becontree walkabout with artist Verity-Jane Keefe

A programme of art, culture and new infrastructure to reimagine the future of the UK’s biggest council housing estate

Join RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) for a tour with the artist Verity-Jane Keefe as she reflects on key themes of her work in the area alongside wider insights into the changes across Becontree over its 100 year history.

Walking north to south, Keefe will lead us through time and place outlining key historical moments from the estate’s inception through to the current day. Her careful and close observation across several years has given Keefe unique insights into both the history of the area and the strong character of the estate’s buildings and communities today.

Keefe will reflect on some of the themes in her new installation at RIBA, including the political and architectural decision making that has shaped Becontree, particularly the impact of changes to national and local policies, borough borders, and the significance of Becontree’s physical location between London and Essex.

Starting point: Chadwell Heath Station

Ending point: Becontree Underground Station

The tour will take place on Saturday 16 October, 11am-12.30pm. Tickets cost RIBA Members: £5, General: £10, + booking fees. To find out more click here.

RIBA is offering a number of complimentary tickets to local residents, if you’re interested in attending an event please contact talks@riba.org

To view more RIBA events taking place over the Becontree centenary click here.

Station Road
Dagenham
Romford
RM6 4BU

Open in Maps

Verity-Jane Keefe is a visual artist working predominantly in the public realm to explore the complex relationship between people and place. She works with moving image, text, installation and uses archival and research methodologies. She is interested in the role of the artist within urban regeneration and how experiential practice can touch upon and raise ambitions of existing communities. Verity-Jane has been working in Barking and Dagenham for over 10 years on self-initiated commissions, including The Mobile Museum, and in partnership with the borough’s Heritage, Planning Policy and Regeneration departments.

This event is part of the Becontree Centenary, a partnership between Create London and RIBA, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.