As part of Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019, Blackhorse
Workshop, the renowned wood and metal workshop, created Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin - an immersive journey through
Waltham Forest’s rich heritage in manufacturing and metalwork.
Atomic 50 video (2019) by Blackshop WorkshopOriginal Source: Blackhorse Workshop/Paul Cochrane
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Stepping Back in Time
Atomic 50 explored the fascinating past and exciting potential of tin in the 21st century. In operation for just a month, the factory offered an opportunity for new recruits to become makers of the future.
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Blackhorse Workshop transformed a disused school building in Leyton into a ‘ghost factory’, in a radical reimagining of the traditional learning environment, leading participants on an exciting journey through time and metalworking.
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Hands-on Experience
As participants traveled through the different rooms of the Atomic 50 factory, there were opportunities to get creative. Everyone who passed through the factory was able to learn basic metal making skills, and imagine new possibilities for the future.
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Who were the workers?
Designed for children aged 7-11 years old (and inquisitive parents and guardians), Atomic 50 presented a series of environments in which to make, create, learn and play. Hands-on activities gave the young “workers” the chance to try out new skills and dream up big ideas.
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
The Spaces
Each space was dressed as a different immersive scene
Scroll around the photo to explore the set in 360°
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Scroll around the photo to explore the set in 360°
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Scroll around the photo to explore the set in 360°
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Scroll around the photo to explore the set in 360°
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin. Leyton (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019/Blackhorse WorkshopOriginal Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture/Blackhorse Workshop
Blackhorse Workshop worked with acclaimed performance artist Abigail Conway and set designer Soraya Gilanni Viljoen to create this fantastical one-off installation.
Atomic 50 (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original Source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture
Learning and sharing
Speaking about her involvement in the project, Abigail Conway said: "My art practice is all about learning new skills, and sharing them with participants. In this way, there’s an excellent fit with Blackhorse Workshop, who are experts in making and fabrication."
Blackhorse Workshop is a public space dedicated to making and mending, just half an hour from the centre of London.
For more information about Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 please visit
wfculture.co.uk