Biblio-Textile, 2026
Coralie Turpin
Mosaic, metal, paint

Biblio-Textile is a 20-metre-long artwork that brings together steel and mosaic to explore the transformative power of education, creativity and community.

Inspired by the history of Golden Lane and the legacy of the adjacent former Cripplegate Institute, the work draws on the architecture, textiles and visual language of the 1950s and 1960s. Its colours, patterns and forms reference the surrounding Golden Lane Estate, while mosaic motifs evoke local landmarks, including the Cripplegate Roman arch, St Giles Church, Great Arthur House and the Barbican.

Books move across the artwork like white doves, celebrating the free library once housed in the Cripplegate Institute and the emotional and educational possibilities of reading and authorship.

The work was shaped by workshops led by Coralie Turpin with Proud Places, Heritage of London Trust, local schools and community groups, whose ideas and creativity connect the site’s heritage with the lives of its community.

In the words of Coralie Turpin,“it’s about philanthropy and how it was and still is an important part of life now”.

Commissioned by Castleforge
Curated by Futurecity
In collaboration with Heritage of London Trust