Poplar HARCA’s ‘Knitting the Air’ exhibition a huge success
A collective of over 70 east London community knitters are creating a unique textile artwork, which raises awareness of air quality in Tower Hamlets.
Knitters of all abilities from across Poplar and beyond are using their craft to show air pollution data from two local Breathe London air quality sensors.
An exhibition of their work so far is being held at Making Space Gallery in Poplar. Over 250 people attended over the opening weekend to find out more about the project.
The opening night was bustling with a wonderful mix of attendees, bringing together residents across Poplar, knitters, GPs, representatives from Imperial College London, artists, and public health professionals.
“This project has really caught the imagination of the whole community. We’ve had an extraordinary response from local knitters coming together to help knit the data, including complete beginners.”
Caroline Murray - Knitting the Air Project Lead and member of Poplar HARCA’s housing and regeneration team.
Photo credit: Rehan Jamil
The group are knitting are knitting squares for each day, meaning the final piece will feature 1460 squares to represent 12 months of data for each air quality sensor. The squares show one of two types of pollutant – the blue represents Nitrogen Dioxide (N02) which is a harmful gas and the pink represents Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) which is ultra fine dust.
The data comes from two monitoring sensors located in the Aberfeldy area of Poplar: one is on Dee Street opposite Culloden School and the other is on the A12 / Abbott Road junction.
Poor air quality has an enormous impact on public health. It is associated with negatively affecting lung development in children, heart disease, stroke, cancer, exacerbation of asthma and increased mortality. By presenting the data in a highly visual and tactile way, this project is working to build understanding, knowledge and spark conversation about solutions.
“This is one of the best projects I’ve been involved in for a while. What a fantastic way to visualise air pollution, I’ve been involved in monitoring air quality in Poplar for many years and I’m excited how this project can help raise awareness.”
Project participant, Fran Jefcoate
Photo credit: Rehan Jamil
“I'm very pleased to be knitting in lighter colours in the last couple of months. I hope it means the air is getting better.”
Project Participant, Gul Bahar
Photo credit: Rehan Jamil
Aberfeldy has a long tradition of crafting and making and this scheme builds on the many interventions that have already been a real success in the area.
“We had lots of great feedback from the exhibition – including how the project is making air pollution data tangible and accessible, helping people understand something that previously they didn’t know much about. Attendees also shared moving stories about their lived experience of air pollution and how it affects their day to day lives.
“We still have a lot of data left to knit, so we welcome everyone to get involved! We are hosting a series of knitting meet ups so would encourage anyone to come along and find out more!”
Caroline Murray - Knitting the Air Project Lead
This project has been supported by Poplar HARCA, EcoWorld London and Fitzrovia Noir.
You can find out more info on the project’s dedicated instagram account or on this blog.
Knitting the Air is part of Poplar Green Futures, a community led strategy and action plan for a healthier, more sustainable Poplar.