OPDC’s Annual Art Commission photo-tapestries celebrate London’s largest and most vibrant industrial area, Park Royal

Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) recently unveiled the winning entry of its Annual Art Commission, The Park Royals by visual artist and Harlesden-based barber Faisal Abdu’Allah.

In the form of two large jacquard woven photo-tapestries, reworked from a series of photographs of 22 residents and workers from Park Royal, the artwork intricately weaves together the lives, stories and struggles of two generations who make up the area’s industrial heart.

Park Royal, located in northwest London, is today home to a thriving community of makers and creators, supporting around 43,000 jobs and supplying one-third of all food consumed in the capital.

Born and bred in Park Royal, Faisal is a descendant of the Windrush generation. He studied art at Central St Martins and the Royal College of Art, and his work has been exhibited internationally.

Now officially on display at Brent Civic Centre, The Park Royals, produced by Create London and created in collaboration with the local community, pays homage to London’s diversity as we mark Black History Month and paves the way for Brent’s year as London Borough of Culture in 2020.