Newham Folk Archive – ‘Let’s Roam’

‘Let’s Roam’ is an exhibition and zine which explores cycling in Newham in terms of its changing social relevance. The London 2012 Olympics saw Great Britain dominate in cycling disciplines. As part of this legacy Newham now has a world class velodrome and velo park. However, elite level sport represents only a small part of cycling in the UK.

‘Lets Roam’ compares the current picture of cycling in Newham to its history in the cycling boom of the early twentieth century and post war period. Cycling Clubs, such as Roamer CC in Plaistow were prevalent in the pre and post war eras and had a significant role in social life as well being at the centre of sporting and recreational activity.

Newham also had a significant history as a hub of bike manufacturing. Bates cycles was based in Plaistow from the 1920’s. Bates were an innovative frame builder in the ‘Classic Lightweight’ era of the pre and post war cycling boom.

The exhibition will comprise both archive materials and new artwork created in response to Newham’s cycling heritage. The printed zine distributed to coincide with the exhibition will include maps of ‘quiet routes’ for cycling in the borough.

Newham Folk Archive is a multidisciplinary art project which explores Newham’s Oral History, Folk Law, Truth and Myth. The project creates a range of multi media work and live performances. Newham Folk Archive are residents of Plaistow often working with a changing cast of collaborators.

Past work has included a digital film about Folk Traditions in Newham for Newham Word Festival 2020. This project included a printed zine produced at Rabbits Road Press in Manor Park, which was then distributed for free in the borough. Most recently in 2022 Newham Folk Archive have released their first hand cut 7” vinyl record on the Pearl Home Records label.