The Peoples History of Petticoat Lane

The mosaic ‘The People’s History of Petticoat Lane’ is situated on a wall at 4–6 Gravel Lane, on the Petticoat Tower Estate, on the corner of Middlesex Street. It depicts characteristic figures and symbols from the history of Petticoat Lane’s street market, which was so named because it was a good place to buy underwear. Beneath the mosaic is a QR code – also in mosaic form – which links to an explanation of the artwork, ranging from the Pearly Queen to Spitalfields Silk and from the Organ Grinder to Petticoat Lane Market.

The mosaic was designed by the artist Tessa Hunkin and handcrafted by a team of volunteers from the Hackney Mosaic Project, a community initiative that helps people recovering from addiction or mental health issues by enabling them to work together on art projects.

The artwork was completed and installed in August 2024.