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Here you will find our updates as the project unfolds and a glimpse of the work behind the scenes. For further information please email: events@artillery.org.uk

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Designed especially for teachers of Key Stage 1 & Key 2, this Teacher Pack has activities and resources to support learning in Art, English, History, Human Geography, PSHE and the Environment. Please email morag@artillery.org.uk if you would prefer this pack as a Powerpoint.

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Download and print out to make your own Griffin at home. Bring them along to feast if you would like them to be added to the exhibition later in the year.

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A link to our padlet with a map to add stories of Griffins from around the world. 

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A link to our padlet with a map to add stories of Griffins from around the world. 

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Part of our learning resources for schools

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Initial Griffin Sketches by Sandie M Sutton

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Initial Griffin Sketches by Sandie M Sutton

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Initial ideas for griffin installation by Sandie M Sutton

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Initial ideas for griffin installation by Sandie M Sutton

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5 May 2022: Untold Stories Awardees for Funding Announced

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5 May 2022: Untold Stories Awardees for Funding Announced

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You are here: Home What we do Arts and culture The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm About the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm Untold Stories: grants by the Commission for Diversity in Public RealmUntold Stories: Round One Recipients

London's communities are making change and highlighting neglected stories in our public spaces. The Mayor is announcing £533k grants to 42 projects as part of the Untold Stories programme. The projects span from a 'walk of fame' celebrating the role of Irish and Pakistani workers in Cricklewood to an augmented reality map highlighting Poplar's hidden histories.

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm is having an impact and working towards its goal of a public realm that tell a wider, diverse and more representative story of London. The Mayor supports Londoners' ambitions for change. This works towards building a better London for everyone - a fairer city where the heritage of all Londoners is celebrated, just as all Londoners aspirations are supported. The capital's diversity is its greatest strength. Our statues, road names and public spaces don't reflect the richness of our city's stories. This cannot continue.
Round Two of Untold Stories is now open for applications. Deadline to apply is 4pm on 5 October 2022

Clapham Film Unit in Lambeth were awarded £4,500 for their project "Where are the Women?". Workshops and local consultations to develop a new mural in Brixton that explores the history of women activists and artists who painted murals in the 1970s and 80s.

Kayd Somali Arts & Culture in Tower Hamlets were awarded £4,950 for their project "The Journey of us: Belong in our society!" Community consultations and collecting oral histories to create a public artwork that celebrates Somali stories in East London.

Project Phakama UK in Tower Hamlets were awarded £6,000 for their project "New Histories". A pilot project for young people to offer alternative narratives to an area dominated by a single figure. The initial project will start with the William Gladstone statue outside Bow Church.

Club Kali Network who work across London were awarded £4,000 for their project "Pink Hub: Living Anthology. A partnership project" to develop a public artwork that celebrates South Asian LGBTQ+ History in London.

V22 Communities - Manor House Library who are based in Lewisham were awarded £5,000 for their project "Reclaiming contested histories: Sir Frances Baring at Manor House Library, Lee". Researching, consulting and installing information boards explaining the role of the former owner of Manor House Library, Sir Frances Baring's, connection to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Vanbrugh Park Estate Residents Association who are based in Greenwich were awarded £5,000 for their project "The lost story of Emily Wilding Davison's Blackheath". Developing a proposal to create a public artwork or plaque to Emily Davison who was born on the site of the Vanbrugh Estate.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) who work in Barnet were awarded £5,000 for their project "Broadening the Righteous Muslims Exhibition". A multi-faith project to design a temporary structure to tour the Righteous Muslims exhibition to outdoor spaces across the borough.

Brownbaby who work in Kensington & Chelsea were awarded £5,400 for their project "Inside Out". An intergenerational project to develop a new public artwork that celebrates the diversity of North Kensington.

Positive Network Community Project who work in Merton were awarded £5,560 for their project "The Black contribution to Merton Heritage". Community workshops to design a new mural celebrating black Londoners in Merton.

The Association of Sikh Art & Cultural Heritage (ASACH) who work in Ealing were awarded £5,500 for their project "Sikh Heritage Walking Tour of Southall". To develop a walking tour exploring Sikh heritage in Southall.

The NO Collective who work in Havering were awarded £4,950 for their project "You're Welcome In Romford". Working with Havering Asian and Social Welfare Group, Romford YMCA and Romford Market Traders to create a new mural opposite the entrance to Romford Station.

492 Korna Klub were awarded £5,000 for their project "Brixton Sound Systems Mural". To undertake research and community conversations to develop a mural that celebrates the women pioneers of Brixton's Sound System scene.

Avant-Gardening from Lewisham were awarded £5,000 for their project "Hidden Histories" to create a mobile installation that will help collect and showcase LGBTQ+ histories.

FIlipino Nurses Association UK were awarded £4,000 for their project "Untold Stories of Filipino Nurses in London" to develop a public artwork to celebrate Filipino Nurses in London and their important role during the COVID-19 crisis.

Invisible Palace who work in Bromley, Croydon and Lewisham were awarded £4,993 for their project "Empire and trade - the lost sculptures of Crystal Palace Park" to work with local community groups to discover the lost statues in Crystal Palace Park to create a walking trail.

Vietnamese Family Partnership / Gia Đình Việt were awarded £6,000 for their project "New visual landmark celebrating the Vietnamese diaspora" to hold consultations and workshops to develop a new public artwork that celebrates Vietnamese Londoners.

Carnaval del Pueblo Asociación who work in Southwark were awarded £6,000 for their project "Viva Carnaval!". Feasibility project to develop proposals for a mobile structure to host and display Latin culture in public spaces in London.

Made in Merton were awarded £2,250 for their project "Workers of the Wandle" celebrating the workers and creatives in William Morris' factory by creating a new community-led public artwork.

Portobello Radio CIC who work in Kensington and Chelsea were awarded £5,000 for their project "Sounds of Latimer" to research and develop a new public sound installation exploring the diverse heritage around Grenfell Tower.

Parents Action & Resource Centre CIC from Ealing were awarded £800 for their project "Sankofa - recovering London's African heritage." Developing proposals for new plaques celebrating Black Londoners in Ealing through community workshops.

End Violence and Racism Against East and Southeast Asain Communities with B.E.S.E.A.N were awarded £4,000 for their project "East and South East Asian Histories Uncovered" to research community conversations and develop proposals for new public artworks celebrating East and South East Asian heritage in London.

Five ASide Theatre CIC who work in Sutton were awarded £4,000 for their project "Dorothee in the 18th Century: Remains to be Told" to develop a walking tour to explore Black heritage in Sutton.

Filmanthropy CIC who work in Merton were awarded £21,403 for their project "S'Nuff: A Youth-Led Exhibition". A project for young people in Merton to explore the history of the grounds and buildings at Morden Hall. Leading to a final site-specific exhibition that tells their own stories and narratives.

NorthWestTWO Residents Association who work in Barnet were awarded £5,900 for their project "Cricklewood Walk of Fame". Installing 'Walk of Fame' Stars in the pavement to celebrate Cricklewood's Industrial heritage and the role of Irish and Pakistani workers within it.

Pepys Community Forum who work in Lewisham were awarded £25,000 for their project "The Deptford Community Monument Project". Community-led project to explore Deptford Docks' association with the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Leading to a digital walking trail with physical markers to celebrate the contribution of black and racially minoritised people to the area.

China Exchange UK who work in Westminster were awarded £13,600 for their project "THE DIGITAL CHINATOWN HERITAGE SUMMARY FOR ENJOYING ON THE MOVE". Installing heritage information boards in China Town to tell a more diverse narrative of the local area. Will be supported by volunteer-led tours around China Town.

Chabad Lubavitch of Islington CIO who work in Islington were awarded £24,948 for their project "Islington Jewish Heritage Trail". Telling the story of the Jewish community in Islington through a new walking tour and installing plaques/artworks on important Jewish heritage sites.

Society for the Advancement of Black Arts who work in Brent were awarded £24,900 for their project "BBMC Mural & Plaques of Local HiCrEc Contributors". Working with the local community to create plaques and a mural at the site of Brent Black Music Cooperative.

The Tommy Flowers Foundation who work in Tower Hamlets were awarded £27,000 for their project "Unearthing Poplar: celebrating hidden histories". Celebrating the everyday heroes of the Aberfeldy Estate through a new walking tour, augmented reality map, mural of actor and landlady, Queenie Watts, and a plaque and installation for Tommy Flowers.

Xenia who work in Hackney were awarded £24,937 for their project "Trailblazing Women in Hackney: Heroines of our Time". Creating a new heritage tour to celebrate and uncover the hidden histories of trailblazing women in Hackney.

Artillery CIC who work in Waltham Forest were awarded £26,303 for their project "Walthamstow Griffin, Protector and Guardian of Untold Local Stories and High Street Treasures". Working with market traders and local people to collect stories and oral histories that will be represented in a new public artwork in Walthamstow Market.

London LGBT Forums Network who work London-wide were awarded £25,000 for their project "Rainbow Plaques". Building on the forum's successful Rainbow Plaques project to consult, research and create four new plaques celebrating LGBTQ+ history in London.

Queer Tours of London who work London-wide were awarded £16,875 for their project "Recruitment and training of six new tour guides". To recruit new LGBTQ+ tour guides to tell more diverse LGBTQ+ stories in London's public spaces.

Providence House Trust who work in Wandsworth were awarded £25,000 for their project "Providence House - Recording & Celebrating 60 Years of Stories of Cultural Diversity on the Winstanley & York Road Estates". An Intergenerational project to celebrate and preserve the Winstanley & York Road Estate's musical heritage as the area undergoes regeneration.

Camberwell Arts Limited who work in Southwark were awarded £24,000 for their project "Camberwell Voices". A new public artwork and digital interactive tour to celebrate broadcaster and poet, Una Marson, in Camberwell where she lived.

Max Media Arts CIC who work in Lewisham were awarded £15,184 for their project "Black Women Icons". Creating three new murals to celebrate influential black women from Lewisham. Subjects will be decided on through public consultation and vote.

Nne Agwu Constitution who work in Greenwich were awarded £24,970 for their project "Griot Story Path". A story trail created by local people through Oxleas Woods. Housed in story stations, visitors will enjoy traditional Afrakan storytelling while travelling through the woods.

Latin Elephant who work in Southwark were awarded £18,000 for their project "Celebrating 30 years of the rich & diverse Latin American and BAME cultural heritage in Elephant and Castle". A new mural celebrating the Latin community in Elephant and Castle alongside a culinary walking tour.

Kensington + Chelsea Festival and Art Week who work in Kensington & Chelsea were awarded £17,350 for their project "Mural: Black Lives Matter + Rest and Wellness.". A Mural celebrating black womxn that focuses on the themes of rest and wellbeing.

Southall Community Alliance (SCA) who work in Ealing were awarded £22,550 for their project "Stories of Southall". A series of events in public spaces that highlight Southall's anti-racist history - including crafts, walking tours and public performances.

Young Historians Project who work in Westminster were awarded £23,148 for their project "Young Historians Project - African women and British healthcare Murals". Creating two murals to celebrate African women in British health care at Guys & St. Thomas' Hospital and Charing Cross Hospital.

Urbanwise.London Limited who work in Kensington & Chelsea were awarded £24,487 for their project "Towpath Tales: Untold stories of north Kensington and Westminster's Grand Union Canal". To create a new downloadable map and mural exploring the history of the Grand Union Canal - from the Irish navvies who built the canal and the barge people who worked there to the area's newly arrived communities

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Skip to main content You are here: Home What we do Arts and culture The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm About the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm Untold Stories: grants by the Commission for Diversity in Public RealmUntold Stories: Round One Recipients London's communities are making change and highlighting neglected stories in our public spaces.

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Low Polygon Griffin Mask - working out shapes

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Low Polygon Griffin Mask - working out shapes

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5 June: A soft launch event at The Mile Long Street Party - Griffin Workshop

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5 June: A soft launch event at The Mile Long Street Party - Griffin Workshop

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7 July: Invitation to Untold Stories Welcome Meeting at Museum of London

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7 July: Invitation to Untold Stories Welcome Meeting at Museum of London

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Hosted by the Mayor of London's Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.
Image: London Unseen by Natsko Seki, 2022

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28 July: First Walthamstow Griffin team meet up

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28 July: First Walthamstow Griffin team meet up

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The mythical griffin is a creature of ferocity and nobility. Usually depicted as half lion and half eagle, this ancient beast is more than the sum of its parts. Majestic, strong, and imbued with magic, the griffin is a common heraldic symbol which joins the lion's valor with the eagle's elegance. It is no wonder that many aristocratic families chose this beast to represent them. ( 1) Although the griffin itself may be no more than a myth, we can draw inspiration from this magnificent creature by understanding its history, symbolism, and the virtues embodied by the creatures on which the griffin is based.
Table of contents
Griffin Symbolism and Meaning

The fantastical griffin, gryphon, or gryfin has been a part of human culture for a very long time. As early as 2000 BC, this symbol seems to have originated in the ancient Middle East and has since grown into the globally recognized griffin of legend. ( 2)

Like many other fantasy beasts, the Griffin is made up of traits from multiple animals. Typically, griffins have a lion's body with the wings, head, and sometimes the talons of a bird. Usually this bird is an eagle. As a combination of two creatures, the griffin embodies the best traits of both of the animals which are present in its form.

Griffins are common heraldic symbols representing the might and nobility of aristocratic houses. Like dragons, many traditional myths see griffins as guardians of hoards of dazzling treasures. Unlike dragons, though, griffins are often considered to guard their treasure out of a sense of duty and righteousness rather than selfish greed. The griffin has been used as symbol of protection and guardianship since ancient times. ( 3)

Griffin Native American Symbolism

Griffins are not generally present in Native American traditions, however the eagle is one of the emblems of the creator. Eagles are divine creatures which typify the virtues of a warrior. In addition, eagles were considered to have intense healing powers. ( 4)

The killing of eagles is a serious taboo amongst many Native cultures. One Cherokee legend demonstrates the dangers of slaying eagles. In this story a young man kills an eagle and that same night his village is visited by a strange warrior who frightens several men to death with his voice. This strange warrior is eventually revealed to be the slain eagle's brother. ( 5)

Cougars, or "mountain lions," are also found in many Native American traditions. Associated with magic and witchcraft, hunting, healing, wealth, and protection, these mighty beasts are the closest equivalent to the lion half of the griffin that one can find in Native culture. ( 6)

Combining the qualities of these two creatures together would undoubtedly result in a regal, fierce, and powerful guardian spirit.

Native American cultures also have several mythical creatures of their own. Among these is the mighty "Thunderbird." Although certainly lacking the leonine qualities of griffins, these massive legendary raptors may be the closest Native equivalent. The Thunderbird is associated with storms and the sound of thunder is sometimes likened to the beating of its powerful wings. ( 7)

Griffin Eastern Symbolism

Asian myths, stories, and artistic motifs feature many beasts which could be referred to as "chimeras." A "chimera" is a term used to describe monsters with body parts from many different animals. The term originates from a monster in an ancient Greek legend. ( 8) Griffins are undoubtedly chimeras due to their composition.

In China, the most important mythical beast of all is the dragon. Chinese dragons come in many different forms, but many have bird-like talons and leonine faces. Dragons are associated with the Chinese New Year, with good fortune, and with nobility. ( 9)

In Japan, the "Nue" is a chimera with traits of a monkey, a tiger, a tanuki, and a serpent. This creature is one of the oldest "Yokai." Yokai, or "apparitions," are essential pieces of Japanese folklore and mythology. The Nue is said to have been an evil monster which attacked the emperor of Japan. When the Nue was killed, it is said to have been buried at a site called "Nuezuka" which is still visited to this day. ( 10)

In Hindu mythology, Garuda is a powerful bird which resembles a kite or an eagle. Garuda is the holy vehicle of the god Vishnu and is often depicted with four arms or with some other humanoid features. ( 11)

Griffin Christianity symbolism

In Christian symbolism, the griffin represents Christ himself. According to the Bible, Jesus was born unto a human mother and was sometimes referred to as the "Son of Man."

In Matthew 8:20:

"Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."" ( 11)

This is just one of many instances in which Jesus or a disciple refer to him as such. Being born unto humans, Jesus is human. Despite this, he is also understood to be the son of God. Unlike ordinary men, Jesus is given the ability to perform miracles in his father's name.

This dualism has inspired some Christians to adopt the griffin as a symbol of Christ. As the lion is grounded to the earth, so is Jesus a human man. But, the eagle belongs to the sky which is the realm of the heavens. Thus, Jesus is both the son of God and of mankind in the same way that a griffin belongs in both the earth and the sky. ( 12)( 13)

Griffin Celtic Symbolism

Gryphon or griffin has been mentioned in many European tales. In fact, the "gryphus" from Greek is likely the origin of European griffin symbolism, although the griffin itself might have come from the Middle East.

In Medieval Europe, the griffin became the symbol of knights. Thus, much of the Celtic symbolism of the griffin is linked with strength, bravery, valor, war, victory, and power.

The griffin symbol became one of the most popular motifs for the decoration and ornamentation of helmets, coat of arms, and of crusader shields. Irish and Welsh folk tales are full of griffins and griffin legends.

In many of these legends, the griffin is depicted as an intelligent beast which guards over treasures.

Griffin African Symbolism

In Africa, the mythical Roc bird is closely linked to the griffin. These large birds pick up the cadavers of humans and carry them off to devour them. So strong were the Rocs that they could even swoop down upon elephants and carry them off.

The famous Moroccan traveler, Ibn Battuta, described in his writings that during his travels between Africa and Asia, his ship encountered a mountain that was not on any map.

The strong winds and waves of the sea started propelling their ship straight into the mountain.

Suddenly, the mountain moved upwards and started to fly, revealing itself as the Roc bird. At this, all the ship's hands started bidding farewell to one another. But soon, the wind changed direction and the Roc bird failed to see the ship. ( 14)

In Egypt, the griffin symbol is most similar to the iconic Sphinx. This mighty creature combines the features of a lion and a human. Many Egyptian gods and monsters are chimeras of some kind. Horus, the king of the gods, is composed of human and falcon features. ( 15)

Griffin in Dreams

Dreaming of the mighty griffin is sure to be a memorable experience. If this mythical beast has found its way into your dreams then you may expect some challenges in store. The griffin is mighty and protective. Its appearance reminds you to guard closely that which you hold dear.

Dreaming of the griffin may indicate a sense of indecision. you may feel torn between two paths in the same way that the griffin is drawn both towards the earth and the sky. Note, however, that the griffin is not required to choose just one way of living. Like the griffin, you can happily explore all sides of yourself.

Griffins may sometimes represent righteousness, justice, or truth. Dreaming of a griffin is a good reminder to make sure that you are taking the high road and living your life in accordance with a moral code that makes you feel proud.

Dreaming of griffins may also indicate a desire to connect with one's inner child. Griffins are common in fantasy stories and inspire awe and wonder in human hearts. Dreaming of griffins may be a chance to reconnect with your favorite childhood stories or with the childlike curiosity within you.

Griffin Encounters and Omens

Griffins are mythical beasts, so encountering one would be a special thing indeed. Even though they are not real, we can encounter griffins in the form of art, stories, or even persistent thoughts.

If griffins keep popping up in your life, consider the things that matter to you. Griffins guard their treasures valiantly, but not every treasure is a material thing. A griffin encounter may be a reminder to do what you can to protect and strengthen your relationships, your talents, or your skills. All of these things can be valuable treasures.

Griffins often represent leadership. If you keep on encountering griffin symbols, consider whether you are really in charge of your life in the areas where you want control. Maybe you're happy in your role at home but would prefer some extra responsibility at your work place. Maybe you are ready to run your own business. In any case, the griffin reminds you to fearlessly take the reigns and become the master of your own destiny.

Griffin Mythology and Folklore

Greek mythology includes many mentions of a hybrid creature called the Gryps. In most Greek legends, this animal-bird hybrid was depicted as a monster with an eagle's head, a lion's body, and completely covered with feathers. ( 16)

In many old tales, the Gryps were a race of creatures who spent their time retrieving gold from the mountains where they built their nests. These nests were constantly under assault by the Arimaspians. These were a race of greedy men with just one eye. The Gryps and this race of Cyclops would clash constantly over the precious gold which the Gryps were bound to protect. ( 17)

Some of the early Greek writings which feature the griffin indicate that this creature originated from India. Much of these sources seem to indicate a belief that the griffin was a real beast. ( 18)

Griffin Spirit Animal

The lion is the undisputed king of beasts, while the eagle is often seen as the king of birds. Put together, the hybrid griffin is the master of the sky and the land. Someone with this spirit animal is likely to be an adaptable leader who is comfortable in a variety of different situations and environments.

The griffin spirit animal is a natural leader with an inherent desire to protect others. Empathy for people from all walks of life is one of the virtues of this unique spirit animal. People with the griffin spirit animal are noble, kind, forgiving, and driven by a strong sense of justice.

Being made up of two of the most regal animals around can sometimes go to the griffin's head. Arrogance and stubbornness are some of the main shortcomings which can present themselves when dealing with the griffin spirit animal. Griffin spirits tend to want to lead in nearly every situation. While they are talented at bringing people together, the griffin spirit animal may need to be reminded that once in a while even the greatest leaders must enter the role of follower.

Griffin Totem Animal

The griffin totem animal is associated with magic, wonder, and storytelling. Griffins are mythical creatures which have never truly roamed the earth. Despite this, the majestic griffin has inspired the human imagination since at least 2000 BC. ( 19) Thus, the griffin totem is the embodiment of the inspiration and wonder that lives within the human spirit.

The griffin totem animal reminds us not to lose our sense of curiosity and fascination with the world. While literal magic may not exist, the world is full of magical experiences.

Griffins often appear in fantasy stories. As such, these creatures represent the art of storytelling. Storytelling is the backbone of human connection. The griffin totem allows us to connect with others through this ancient and noble art.

Finally, the griffin totem animal represents guardianship and vision. In some stories, griffins are guardians of massive hoards of treasure, or even of entire kingdoms. If the griffin is your totem animal then this creature imbues you with a sense of vigilance, responsibility, and duty.

Griffin Power Animal

The power of the griffin is ascension. As a terrestrial mammal, the lion is normally bound to the earth by gravity. The griffin frees the mighty lion and allows the king of beasts to take to the skies. If the griffin is your power animal, look to this creature as a symbol of freedom, spiritual enlightenment, and divinity.

As a hybrid of two animals, the griffin embodies the strongest traits of both the eagle and the lion. The griffin power animal demonstrates the power of embracing one's strengths and rising above weaknesses. Choose the best version of yourself to live with each day and you'll find that self improvement is a natural result.

Griffin Tattoo Meaning

A griffin tattoo can be a meaningful way of conveying one's personal values. Strength, majesty, elegance, and protection all emanate from the griffin.

For someone who has undergone a lot of spiritual growth of changes, a griffin tattoo might be chosen in order to represent the coming together of different aspects. Finding ways to reconcile different parts of yourself always makes you stronger in the end.

Like the lion, a griffin tattoo may represent ferocity, pride, wisdom, courage, and power. Like the eagle, a griffin tattoo might represent leadership, foresight, intelligence, and sharpness. Put together, a griffin tattoo is an unbeatable beast.

In some versions of the griffin myth, these creatures are said to be monogamous and deeply loyal to their mates. So, a griffin tattoo may represent romance and fidelity.

Conclusion

Although the griffin may not be a real creature, it is evident that this beast has had a very real effect on human cultures around the world. As an inspiration for art and stories, and as an example of noble virtues, the griffin is a potent legend. Even though there are no "real" griffins, the sprit of protection, guardianship, and honor that griffins represent can be felt in the hearts of people everywhere!
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Griffin Symbolism & Meaning (+Totem, Spirit & Omens) - World Birds

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The mythical griffin is a creature of ferocity and nobility. Usually depicted as half lion and half eagle, this ancient beast is more than the sum of its parts. Majestic, strong, and imbued with magic, the griffin is a common heraldic symbol which joins the lion's valor with the eagle's elegance.

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Radio show discussing Chimeras, the oldest sculpture in world with lions head and mans body and the totemic remixing of beasts... starts at 2:08:45 the maths of life. 

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Radio show discussing Chimeras, the oldest sculpture in world with lions head and mans body and the totemic remixing of beasts... starts at 2:08:45 the maths of life. 

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Lauren Laverne - Music to quicken the pulse for your Tuesday breakfast session - BBC Sounds

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Catch up on your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, whenever you like. Listen without limits with BBC Sounds.

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All meetings should all involve seeing an artist's designs, imagine what a creative world it would be!

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16 September: Graphics designed by Hattie Scott to announce the project

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16 September: Graphics designed by Hattie Scott to announce the project

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A new artist impression of the griffin in situ sketched for the landlord of the building with approriately named business, Golden Cake.

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Griffin fixing proposal from Ambar Installations

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Griffin fixing proposal from Ambar Installations

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21 September: Latest Newsletter Sharing our Project Announcement...

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21 September: Latest Newsletter Sharing our Project Announcement...

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Follow the link for the newsletter.

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Announcing a New Sculpture for Walthamstow High Street

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Artillery is collaborating with local artist Sandie M Sutton to bring a stunning new wall mounted sculpture to the High Street.

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Can you help us source materials for the Griffin?

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Can you help us source materials for the Griffin?

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The collection has started....wish list....Old hard brightly coloured plastic, skate boards, skis, household appliances, flippers, car & bike reflector & all interesting curvie shaped thingies!

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Pencilled in: The Celebration Event for the Griffin

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Pencilled in: The Celebration Event for the Griffin

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Saturday 3 December (TBC)
Thanks to support from Waltham Forest Council and the Regeneration Team we plan to host a celebration event to mark the arrival of The Walthamstow Griffin. To be held in Walthamstow High Street as part of Small Business Saturday.

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28: September: Planning application is in!

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28: September: Planning application is in!

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Waiting for a stamp of approval.

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29 September: A sneak peek of the metal armature 

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29 September: A sneak peek of the metal armature 

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Exciting trip to see the griffin's framework being made to Sandie's specifcations by Felicity Jones Metal based at Black Dog Forge.

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6 October: Secured additional support just as the Griffin armature arrived in Sandie's studio!

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6 October: Secured additional support just as the Griffin armature arrived in Sandie's studio!

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Thanks to L&Q for supporting the project with £500!
Thanks also to the 4 brilliant volunteers who helped us unload the griffin armature into Sandie's workshop.

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On Wednesday 19th October 2022 Kirsty McNeil visited local sculptor Sandie M Sutton in her studio in Blackhorse Lane to hear about her roots, how she developed her specialism as a wildlife sculptor, and the materials she uses

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Planning application processed - now in the public consultation phase. All the pieces are coming into place! 

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Planning application processed - now in the public consultation phase. All the pieces are coming into place! 

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7 November: Printed materials inviting residents to the celebration event

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7 November: Printed materials inviting residents to the celebration event

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Thanks to NBAM for hosting and all the volunteers for making rag bunting at The Mill today.

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Alisa Ruzavina co-designed a collection of eight vivid Flags of Our High Street Treasures  supporting residents, activists, learners and traders with a connection to Waltham High Street to be creative collaborators.

On Monday 7th November Kirsty McNeil met up with Alisa in a Walthamstow High Street cafe to discuss the project with her. In the conversation, Alisa also describes some of the pre- and early career influences on her creative practice that have helped develop her agile and rigorously collaborative approach.

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Thank you to students of Leyton Sixth Form College for creating this time lapse video of the day The Walthamstow Griffin arrived in Walthamstow High Street.

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A time lapse film created by students at Leyton Sixth Form College recording the day that The Walthamstow Griffin sculpture arrived in Walthamstow High Street. The Walthamstow Griffin is located at 39 High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7AD. Artillery CIC collaborated with local sculptor and environmental activist Sandie M Sutton to bring a stunning new 3 metre wall mounted sculpture to Walthamstow.

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The Walthamstow Griffin lit up specially for the launch event

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The Walthamstow Griffin lit up specially for the launch event

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Walthamstow Griffin lo-res - sRGB (18).JPG

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To celebrate the arrival of The Walthamstow Griffin we held a Winter Feast on the High Street as part of Small Business Saturday. You can see some of the photographs here on Facebook.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Walthamstow Griffin lo-res by Penny Dampier-148.JPG

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12 December: The Walthamstow Griffin in the Snow!

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12 December: The Walthamstow Griffin in the Snow!

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4 February 2023: Exhibition of the Flags

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4 February 2023: Exhibition of the Flags

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The flags are to be exhibited at 1B Gallery on Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA from 4 February - 2 March.
And again in the summer months at St Mary's Creative Church Project in Walthamstow for Material Witnesses: Fashion as Everyday Activism from 25 April - 22 July.

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A community arts project has created flags celebrating the "treasures" of Walthamstow High Street, based on interviews with Walthamstow Market traders.

The project was led by artist Alisa Ruzavina, who co-designed flags for eight treasures with the help of community groups, and produced by arts organisation Artillery CIC.

The flags are a companion to the Walthamstow Griffin, a "guardian" of the High Street created by sculptor Sandie M Sutton, that now hangs above the corner of Carisbrooke Road.

Groups that got involved include students at Waltham Forest College, the borough's Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association and members of the borough's pay-what-you-feel community cafe The Gleaners.

Alisa Ruzavina told the Echo: "The idea is the Griffin is a symbol of protection and my part of the project is about what those treasures are.

"All the fabrics for the designs have been sourced from the amazing range of fabric shops that can be found along the High Street."

The eight flags represent the treasures of public space; creativity and DIY; the market itself; visions of the future; past heritage; food; multiculturalism and women-led businesses, of which Alisa notes there are unfortunately "not many" in the High Street.

She added that one of her favourite moments from the project was showing a flag designed by Waltham Forest College students, which celebrates the area's public transport, to local Transport for London workers.

She said: "They were so happy because they said nobody ever comes to them with good things to say, they only ever get shouted at. The fact students designed it; they were really overjoyed."

All eight flags are currently on display at 1B Window Gallery in Coppermill Lane but will be available in future as decoration for local events.

Flags of Our High Street Treasures was funded by the Mayor of London as part of the "Untold Stories" project, with additional support from Waltham Forest Council.

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Eight flags celebrating the "treasures" of Walthamstow High Street are now on display Members of Waltham Forest Twinning Association with the 'multiculturalism' flag they helped design (credit: Artillery CIC) A community arts project has created flags celebrating the "treasures" of Walthamstow High Street, based on interviews with Walthamstow Market traders.

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And the flags go on to be shown at events in the community

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And the flags go on to be shown at events in the community

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Just as we had hoped, the flags go on to be used in local events. Here community members from Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association borrow the flags they worked on for their event at William Morris Gallery.

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The flags shown at Material Witnesses exhibition: Fashion as Everyday Activism 

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The flags shown at Material Witnesses exhibition: Fashion as Everyday Activism 

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Exhibition: 12 May - 5 August 2023 at St Mary's Walthamstow

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March 2023: A series of workshops for students & CPD for teachers delivered in Schools by Sandie and Morag

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March 2023: A series of workshops for students & CPD for teachers delivered in Schools by Sandie and Morag

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Jay class introduce their creations:

Dash
Tail, wings, beak
Protects wildlife

Bumblecrumble
Trunk, wings, and bow tie
Wooly mammoth & wooly dragon
Eats plastic and sends it into space

Giraffe + Dragon “it took a long time to make the beak actually 3D”

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The Walthamstow Griffin racked up 511 participants and counting! 

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The Walthamstow Griffin racked up 511 participants and counting! 

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This number covers every stage and all elements of The Walthamstow Griffin project from Sandie's initial Mini Griffin workshop at the Mile Long Street Party, June 2022 to the workshops in schools in March 2023, and everything in between including the epic flag workshops. There were more who participated in workshops at the Winter Feast but for monitoring purposes are classifed as audience!

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Instagram Reel with some highlights from the project

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Instagram Reel with some highlights from the project

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A quickly made reel of the project as it evolved from various social posts

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Artillery (@artilleryarts)

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The Walthamstow Griffin is a project by Artillery CIC and Associate Artists

Artists: Sandie M Sutton & Alisa Ruzavina

Project Team: Morag McGuire, Laura Kerry, Jessica Hudsley Events, Kirsty McNeil, Hattie Scott, Felicity Jones Metal

Partners: Waltham Forest Council

This project is funded by Untold Stories, part of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm

www.london.gov.uk/untoldstories