An exhibition highlighting the narratives and history of a homeless community in London is set to launch later this month.
Titled Homelessness Heritage in Waterloo, the event will integrate personal stories, creative works, and photographs to illuminate the lives of individuals who resided in the Bullring area of Waterloo.
This region, famously referred to as Cardboard City, once hosted a settlement constructed from numerous cardboard boxes located within the underpasses between Waterloo station and the South Bank.
During the mid-1980s, nearly 200 individuals were reported to be living in makeshift shelters in that vicinity. However, this homeless community was removed in 1998 following a High Court ruling.
The initiative is supported by a grant from Historic England, called the Everyday Heritage grant, which aims to honor working-class history.
This follows Historic England’s funding of nearly £25,000 for a project focused on exploring Cardboard City.
Directed by those with firsthand experience of homelessness, the exhibition seeks to unite narratives of love, solidarity, and resilience, while also addressing the serious challenges of fear, hardship, and poverty, according to the organizers.
Euchar Gravina, the artistic director at St John’s Waterloo, noted that this exhibition signifies “the first public outcome of this ongoing project,” emphasizing that it will not provide a “comprehensive” overview.
“Instead, it represents a sincere effort to commemorate and reflect on the memories and archival fragments of those whose lives were influenced by this experience, while also paying tribute to the legacy of those who are no longer with us,” he added.
Tom Foxall, the regional director for Historic England, remarked: “London is rich in hidden histories, with Cardboard City standing out as one of the most moving.”
“The strength of our Everyday Heritage grant program lies in its support for community-led initiatives that actively involve local residents, enabling them to investigate and share their own stories.”
The exhibition, Homelessness Heritage in Waterloo: “The spirit of the Bullring lives on…”, will be on display from February 18 to March 2 at the Crypt of St John’s Church in Waterloo.
