London Unseen: amplifying community histories in the public realm
London Unseen is a powerful new network, nurturing connections and relationships between practitioners and institutions engaged in heritage practice.
It formed around a season of trails, tours, and events that celebrate the many incredible histories of the city, as told by communities, practitioners, artists, and activists. Curated on behalf of the Mayor of London's Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, the season is supported over 35 community heritage practitioners to provide over 45 events free of charge to the public.
The network continues to meet and collaborate – please get in touch if you want to be involved by emailing [email protected] and [email protected] using the subject line 'London unseen'.
The original season drew on many rich, exciting and moving histories: from the invisible tales of Indian seafarers in WWI, to focussing on Black History in Elephant & Castle, from LGBTQI+ stories in North London to legends of nature in the woodlands of Barham Park. London Unseen is overflowing with knowledge, experience and stories that changes the way you think about and move around this city.
The season ran between July and November 2022. Although no more events are scheduled, you can still browse a list of past events or you can see below for more information about the incredible people who ran our tours and trails, a series of blogs and films created during the season and some self-guided walks that you can still do at your own pace.
Find out about the people dedicated to sharing and keeping safe London’s rich and many layered histories.
A series of talks were delivered as part of the London Unseen season that further explored our heritage partners research, projects and experiences.
Explore London Unseen resources, including a social-history pack for schools and an e-book which includes tips, contacts and information for those that took part in the season and those interested in working in this field.
A directory of London's varied tour guides and heritage projects.
A selection of walks to download and explore at your convenience!
Find out more
Find out more about London Unseen's supporting partners.
The Commission’s ambition was to celebrate London’s distinctiveness in a more inclusive manner.