FLUID ISLINGTON - A LIMITED EDITION WALKING TOUR

The old windmill base, engine house and coal stores at New River Head – a big part of Islington’s watery heritage – have been disused since the 1950s. Now the arts charity House of Illustration have acquired the site and are working to preserve these historic buildings and turn them into the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, creating exhibition galleries, an education studio and landscaped outdoor space that will bring the extraordinary stories of the site to life.

They have kindly invited us to include their site on a walking tour about the waters of Islington for a few days in early September before their restoration begins. Come and hear about how Islington’s history is intimately tied up with water – the well behind (or rather below) Sadler’s Wells, Cowtown, the New River – a major 1600s infrastructure project (the HS2 of its day? Well it certainly ran into some of the same problems) – the ensuing water wars and much more. Take a look inside the old windmill and the coal stores and hear more about the future plans for this site. A limited edition walk, 4-10 September only.

Photo is of Interior of Old Windmill Base: New River Head © Justin Piperger 14.JPG