Foraged cans and casting aluminium News from the School of Art, Architecture and Design

Wax forming, local encounters and aluminium casting, all happening at the Wellside Cafe on Philip Lane, N15.

Date: 10 January 2014

Wax forming, local encounters and aluminium casting, all happening at the Wellside Cafe on Philip Lane, N15.

Alexander Sarafian, a Cass Free Unit student busy this year In The Valley, is leading this weekend workshop during which aluminium cans collected from the Lea Navigation will be melted down and cast in wax moulds to create beautiful and surprising objects. The moulds will be formed during conversations with local residents. A unique record of local encounters could emerge, rubbish will be transformed into aluminium gifts, and all will be helped along by students from The Cass and members of the Holy Trinity Church working with the local community up there in Tottenham. The event is open to all. You are encouraged to call in, help and join in any time between 10:00 and 17:00.

From metalwork to fabric, local manufacturing has been a foundation for Tottenham and its communities since the turn of the 20th century. Today, there are new plans to regenerate the borough, with promises of quality housing and job opportunities. With this in mind, it’s worth examining the potential of local craft once again, as a tool for development and a bright future in this troubled part of London.