The Roots Diary
Herb and Heart Gardening

Herb and Heart Gardening

We came, we watered, we weeded, we planted and sowed. The herb and heart gardeners are growing, amongst other things, beetroot for the Pasley Park Fair on Saturday 7th September from 12-4pm.
Walworth Academy Artwork

Walworth Academy Artwork

The beautiful aloe artwork by students of Walworth Academy has been completed! The students crafted their art from thick sheets of copper cut into the shape of leaves. Some were etched with ferric chloride and others were textured with hammers and punches. Find out more about the creative progress and what else the students have...
Anne Critchley's Memories of Baldwins

Anne Critchley’s Memories of Baldwins

Local resident Anne Critchley shares her memories of Baldwins and how it has changed over the years in this new oral history. Thank you to Anne Critchley and interviewer Bibi Saffina Zafar for a great interview.
The Roots on Facebook!

The Roots on Facebook!

Wow! We’ve been having such wonderful feedback from the lovely people on the Now and Then Walworth Facebook group. Thank you to everyone who has been sharing and “liking” our work – it makes us very happy to know there are so many people enjoying it :) Even Baldwins have been sharing the our blog!...
Eunice Edwards Interview

Eunice Edwards Interview

We have another oral history of Elephant and Castle and Baldwins to share with you. This one comes from Eunice Edwards who takes us back to her time growing up in Peacock Street and her visits to Baldwins as a child. Thank you for sharing your memories Eunice!
Michael Holland Interview

Michael Holland Interview

We have another wonderful oral history to share with you, local resident Michael Holland interviewed by Cynthia Smith. Hear about Michael's memories of Walworth and Baldwins.... and an unexpected surprise he found in Mexico!
Walworth Academy at Art in the Park

Walworth Academy at Art in the Park

Students from Walworth have been taking part in art activities relating to The Roots Story with artists at Art in the Park studios. Initially they listened to some of the interviews that had been recorded and we discussed these and whether the students and their families had any particular anecdotes about herbal tonics and remedies....
Christine Tan Interview

Christine Tan Interview

We have another wonderful oral history from a local resident to share with you. Christine Tan shares her memories of moving to from Malaysia to Kennington, traditional herbal remedies she has used and the teas which she drinks! Interviewed by Joyce McDonald in 2013. Enjoy! Malaysia to Walworth and Kennington Herbal Teas Thank you to Christine and...
Julia Onley Interview

Julia Onley Interview

We’re pleased to share another of our interviews of local residents with you. Back in 2012 Linda Hearnshaw interviewed Julia Onley, who had much to share about her childhood in Walworth, the local streets and shops (and, of course, Baldwins!). Take a listen below and enjoy!
More Herb Gardening

More Herb Gardening

It’s feeling a little more like spring every day now – and we’ve been back in the herb garden at Art in the Park getting ready for it, clearing the beds for planting.
Mr Rudolph Francois Interview

Mr Rudolph Francois Interview

As part of The Roots Project we have been training volunteers from Southwark Pensioners Centre to conduct and record interviews with local residents. These oral histories of local people are a wonderful view into their lives and the history of Walworth and Baldwins. We’re really excited to share the first of these interviews now, Mr...
The Roots at Art in the Park

The Roots at Art in the Park

Inspired by The Roots project and the herbs and plants we have been learning about, an older artists’ group at Art in The Park have created these bright and beautiful paintings. Some really beautiful works of art everyone! And we’ll be running some more herb gardening workshops with Art in the Park over the next...

The Roots was a Southwark Pensioners Centre project, run in partnership with Julia Honess and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, about the story of Walworth Road-based G. Baldwin and Co. Working with volunteers from the local community, the project tells the story of Walworth Road based G. Baldwin & Co, one of the oldest and most established herbalists in London, and the many customers who have frequented the shop over its long history.


For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Julia Honess
Project Manager
Phone: 07960318055
Email: juliahoness@hotmail.com