Union Chapel is inviting Londoners who face barriers to the arts and crafts to take part in a series of free, hands-on workshops this July, exploring the hidden history of one of Islington’s most iconic buildings.
Led by some of London’s most inspiring artists, the Sunday School Stories Hidden Treasures workshops, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and others, offer a rare chance to work directly with professionals known for creating bold, community-driven work across the capital. Participants will take part in full-day sessions to create original mosaics, collages, and zines inspired by 200 years of Union Chapel’s rich archive and architectural details.
The new artworks created will be displayed across Union Chapel’s Grade II* listed Sunday School Hall, which is currently being renovated, from March 2026.
Workshop Dates & Artists
Tuesday 15 July: Mosaic with Tessa Hunkin and Rada Stilianova
Tessa Hunkin is a leading UK mosaic artist and founder of the Hackney Mosaic Project, which has delivered acclaimed community-led public artworks across East London. Her previous commissions include Westminster Cathedral, and she is the author of several books on mosaic design. Joining her is Rada Stilianova, a mosaic artist with a background in theatre, trained in Sofia and Paris. A graduate of the London School of Mosaic, Rada now teaches and creates large-scale mosaics with the Hackney Mosaic Project. Participants will create a series of small mosaic treasures inspired by both the history of the Chapel and Sunday School, as well as the building itself, and learn mosaic techniques, including cutting tesserae, laying styles, grouting, and finishing.
Friday 18 July: Be a Singing Postcard with Lucinda Sieger
Lucinda Sieger is a London-based artist and former best-selling singer-songwriter whose storytelling has featured in exhibitions, performances, and music. She has created work for venues including the Barbican and St Pancras Hospital. Participants will create a picture postcard with a message from their playful inner child using montage, cutting out images, colouring, and simple drawing, ahead of expressing their postcard through an improvised song.
Thursday 24 July: Zine & Collage with Zoë Gardner
Zoë Gardner is a multidisciplinary artist and writer who works across collage, sculpture, journaling and poetry from the personal to invite participatory connections. In this workshop – called Rest-ore! – you will uncover the hidden treasure of Rest in a relentlessly productive world.
Each workshop runs from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm and starts with a heritage talk from the Friends of Union Chapel. The events are free to attend and open to anyone aged 18+. No previous experience is required, and all materials and lunch are provided.
How to Apply:
Email stories@unionchapel.org.uk by 7 July 2025 with
· Preferred workshop date
· Why you’d like to take part
· Your skill level
· Any accessibility or dietary needs
· Consent for photography/video use
Find out more at https://unionchapel.org.uk/projects/news-views/hidden-treasures-arts-craft-workshops-sunday-school-stories
