An urban installation as part of the London Festival of Architecture

A neglected cut-through in King’s Cross was transformed into an inviting picnic garden this weekend, in response to a brief set by the London Festival of Architecture to transform a forgotten corner of King’s Cross into a space for people to enjoy. The large scale installation, titled The King’s Cross Picnic, was designed by local architects Squire and Partners in collaboration with landscape designer Jeremy Rye and artist Anna Garforth.

Around 500 visitors came to the picnic over the weekend, braving occasional showers to sit outside on our deck chairs and grass beds constructed from recycled palettes, which were covered in real turf and topped with picnic baskets bursting with native English fl owers.

A large scale graphic moss installation on a railway wall, by artist Anna Garforth, provided a striking backdrop and was gradually added to during the weekend by children armed with buckets of chalk. By Sunday evening the chalk stretched over two streets creating a fantastic mural of pictures and messages for passers-by.

The inside space – Victorian warehouse restaurant/bar 6 St Chad’s Place – was decked out in more turf, bespoke games tables and seating made from recycled palettes, plus two swings hanging from the rafters which were in constant use by children and adults!

Youth dance groups from The Place did hourly performances providing a fantastic visual interaction in both the indoor and outdoor spaces. And the lovely ladies from The Poundshop brought their bespoke mobile kiosk as part of a summer tour, selling wonderful designer/maker items.