Saving the Whitechapel Bell Foundry

In 2017, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, birthplace of Big Ben, was sold to developers after 500 years in business. I worked with Dan Cruikshank, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Save Britain's Heritage and the East London Preservation Society to save the Foundry from redevelopment.

The fixtures and fittings were put up for auction, and there was a danger that they would be dispersed without ever being recorded. I found an industrial archaeologist who we hired to photograph and record each object. I also rallied leading artists and architects, including Lord Richard Rogers, Sir Anthony Gormley and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw to write letters in support of our campaign. I joined Dan Cruikshank in presenting a petition to 10 Downing Street.