Why a ‘plate of food’ was spread across the walls in a project by pensioners in Poplar

A plate of food was among unusual objects used by pensioners in Poplar for an artist to create wallpaper and apron designs.

One of the Men's Cabin-inspired designs printed onto mugs and tea-towels on display at their Poplar community centre. Picture source: Poplar Harca - Credit: Poplar Harca

The objects also included a bus pass, bottle of rum, a ship in a bottle and old photographs put together for artist Angela Groundwater’s designs for an exhibition at their neighbourhood centre.

The designs have been printed onto wallpaper, tea towels, mugs and aprons which went on show at The Men’s Cabin community centre in Poplar.

“The men loved seeing their stories and objects become physical designs,” centre manager Jayne Clavering said. “This project brought the group closer together.”

The wallpaper has become the narrative of personal journeys, interests and passions of members of The Men’s Cabin.

Artist-designer Angela Groundwater with Men's Cabin comminity centre manager Jayne Clavering at the exhibition. Picture source: Poplar Harca - Credit: Poplar Harca

The exhibition, visited by Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick, was part of the artist’s ‘OAP Project’ with older community groups in east London.

The centre in St Leonard’s Road, run by Poplar Harca housing organisation, is for those over of 50, to reduce isolation, improve health and give opportunities to learn new skills.