Hackney Mosaic Project At Surrey Docks Farm

September 25, 2026

by the gentle author

Yesterday, I cycled over Tower Bridge to join the happy throng at Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe where Tessa Hunkin’s Hackney Mosaic Project have installed three new mosaics. More than fifty people were involved in the creation of these mosaics, which took many months, and all their initials are included in the borders.

Tessa explained to me that the inspiration came from medieval Italian floor mosaics which illustrate agricultural tasks through the seasons. When she showed her designs to the volunteers at the farm, they insisted that ‘mucking out’ be included since this is what they spend most of their time doing. Spot the ferret in a hammock, the farm’s pet brown rabbit and guinea pigs too.

Meanwhile, in the last twenty-four hours more than 1400 people have signed the petition to SAVE HACKNEY MOSAIC PROJECT. The existence of the Project is under threat as Hackney Council are proposing converting the mosaic workshop on Hackney Downs into a cafe and displacing the Project. If you have not already done so, please sign the petition and spread the word.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION