projects
the biscuit tin
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The Biscuit Tin is a public artwork that celebrates Bermondsey’s extraordinary biscuit-making heritage and its lasting connection to the former Peek Frean’s factory. Opening in 1857, the factory transformed the area into “Biscuit Town”, producing some of the UK’s most recognisable biscuits, including the Bourbon, Custard Cream, Jam Pearl and Twiglet. The sculpture draws on this rich history while creating a new social landmark for the public realm.
Conceived as a large, red, perforated steel form, The Biscuit Tin reimagines the familiar biscuit tin as an open, walk-in structure. Its surface is composed of biscuit outlines, combining historic Peek Frean’s shapes with new designs imagined by young people in Bermondsey through community workshops. In this way, the artwork becomes both an archive and a living contribution to the area’s future identity. The sculpture will be fabricated from galvanised and powder-coated 30mm steel, in a satin red finish reminiscent of the original Peek Frean’s tins. At night, integrated uplighting will transform it into a glowing centrepiece for the square. Robust, low-maintenance and carefully designed to address public safety, The Biscuit Tin honours Bermondsey’s industrial, social and cultural history while creating a joyful, contemporary place for gathering, memory and imagination. |
