Memorial

In January 2017 Brian Longman wrote to us: "On the Regents canal by Haggerston Bridge there is a series of mosaics which were done by the Freeform Arts Trust and schoolchildren. The main one, a Laburnum tree, is still extant on the grade 2 listed bridge. Under the tree is a tribute to the long serving headmistress Miss Hewlett."

From Regent's Canal Conservation Area Appraisal, 2007 : "The new Bridge Academy occupies the large site east of Laburnum Basin overlooking the Regent’s Canal. Designed by Building Design Partnership, it will be completed in 2007. It replaces Laburnum School. During the 1980s Laburnum schoolchildren worked with Freeform Arts on a public art project that created extensive mosaics which still embellish the canal walls of this stretch of the canal. Unfortunately graffiti and vandalism have damaged many of the plaques and a restoration or removal programme is now needed if they are to contribute to the overall nature of the Conservation Area (Figure 21). "

We can only concur. When we visited (2017) the mosaic could only be partially seen, and only by people who know it's there and are willing to peer in behind the foliage and the railings. Whether the tribute to Miss Hewlett survives we can't say.