The Thamesmead Codex features conversations between Thamesmead residents and artist Bob and Roberta Smith handpainted on 24 metre-square canvases.
The artist told Talk of Thamesmead: “I’m very excited that the Thamesmead Codex is going
to be extended for another year.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with people who have come up to me because they saw the work. A woman who was very high up in the NHS — and has a CBE — who grew up in Thamesmead. Someone whose dad was a vicar who had moved the family out to Thamesmead. The piece matters to them.
“The important thing is that people read it. It’s their voice. This is a piece of art that serves as a mirror to the people of a community.”
The work was commissioned as a collaboration between Peabody and Tate Modern. It was originally exhibited in Thamesmead town centre in the summer of 2021, before moving to Tate Modern.
The gallery’s curator of international art, Michael Raymond, said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend the display of Bob and Roberta Smith’s Thamesmead Codex, keeping it on view throughout this year when we’re celebrating Tate Modern’s 25th birthday.
“Since we opened in 2000 we’ve welcomed over 100 million visitors from all around the world, but through our communities programmes, such as this project, we’ve also tried to celebrate and create projects for the local community here in London - especially those communities who, like us, are south of the river.
“Through Bob and Roberta Smith’s paintings, it therefore feels poignant and fitting that we’re keeping these works on view, sharing the stories of Thamesmead residents with our local and international audiences.”
The Thamesmead Codex is prominently displayed on level 4 of Tate Modern.
