The artwork, on display in the grand lobby of Camden Town Hall, was commissioned last year to celebrate Camden’s rich LGBTQ+ heritage and created by artist Ted Tinkler.
The quilt, titled “I want it to be abundant […],” was hand made by Ted, who gathered stories, recorded new oral histories, and drew inspiration from culturally significant locations such as Gay’s The Word bookshop and Marchmont Street.
Ted said: “A quilt holds time, labour, communities and histories. From 18th century Molly Houses to Camden Lesbians Centre and the Black Lesbian Group, Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, Switchboard, Club Kali, the Black Cap and more, this new quilt is full of queer stories and histories.
“Thanks to Camden Art Collection and Love Camden for this wonderful commission, now in Camden Town Hall (for the next five years!) for anyone to see.”
The artist placed special emphasis on amplifying voices from Camden’s trans and non-binary communities and incorporated their experiences into the final piece.
The unveiling was celebrated at an event last week, with speeches from Ted and Councillor Sabrina Francis, who praised the artwork.
Cllr Francis, cabinet member for jobs, young people and culture, said: “Our newly published Cultural Strategy aims to dig deep into the shared histories and stories of Camden and its communities – a mission shared with artist Ted Tinkler and their craft. We thank Ted for their invaluable experience and sensibility in immortalising our borough’s LGBT+ past and present through this exceptional work of art.”
This quilt is the first permanent commission for Camden Town Hall under the council’s Diversity in the Public Realm strategy.
The strategy aims to promote works of marginalised communities. It will also be formally accessioned into the Camden Art Collection and supports the Love Camden Cultural Strategy.
Visitors can view the quilt in the grand lobby of Camden Town Hall.
The council’s full LGBT+ History Month programme is available at https://news.camden.gov.uk/lgbt-history-2026/.
