IN PICTURES: THE STORY TRAIL
ODAC was delighted to have Alice Horsley join our Story Trail team in early 2024. She came on board to capture all the different aspects of the trail, culminating in our final launch party in April 2025. We asked her to share some of her favourite photos from the year, along with a few reflections on the journey.
I had worked with ODAC on various events and projects, including their Regent's Roots Festival and their arts and homelessmess One Roof programme, as well as some of the groups they support, but it was exciting to be part of a longer-term project, particularly one with such exciting and ambitious plans for the transformation of the local area.
SITES BEFORE ARTWORK
At the very start, I had a tour of the area with Project Producer Sarah Nicholl, who explained the ambitions behind the trails. At that point, I had little idea what the artworks would look like in the spaces. I focused on documenting the urban environment as it was — and its potential to come alive with the planned installations.
WORK IN PROGRESS: BRENDAN BARRY PHOTO STUDIO
I’ve selected photos here from Brendan Barry’s photography sessions with local people, during which he transformed an empty flat into a camera obscura. It was brilliant to see local residents so involved in the project — their portraits, alongside cherished possessions, became the heart of the final mural. The hands-on, analogue process was both fascinating and refreshingly unfamiliar for everyone who was there, including me!
INSTALLATION PROCESS
Many of the photos I’ve selected below are from Shiraaz Ali’s mural installation (as well as some from Clayground Collective) - the very first of the Story Trail artworks — created during a particularly cold and blustery week in November.! It was a week marked by community spirit - Shiraaz was endlessly open to new additions, and by the end, many neighbourhood pets had found their way into the mural, becoming part of the story on the wall.
FINISHED ARTWORKS
Seeing the artwork all complete was fantastic! I spent a sunny bank holiday walking around the trail documenting the pieces - many familiar and some freshly installed ones that I hadn't seen before. It was brilliant to experience the trail in full, all whilst spending time with the works as I captured them.
LAUNCH EVENT
The launch party felt like a fitting celebration for everyone involved. Residents, artists, and curators came together to share the trail with over 300 people. Thinking back to the pre-installation photos I took, it was striking to see just how far the project had come — and even more powerful to watch people connecting, enjoying the work, and coming toegther with everyone who brought it to life.
Being part of the project gave me the chance to witness the streets come alive with the stories of the estate — stories now shared in public space. Documenting the process from start to finish, I saw firsthand how the community played an active role in transforming the landscape, shaping a vibrant and living trail. It was a pleasure to watch it unfold.
