‘Discovering the Fleet’ describes the river’s influence on Clerkenwell, the city and its inhabitants. It portrays the many facets of the river Fleet from its health-giving properties and recreational uses, through its political, transport and trading history to its descent into a diseased ditch which was finally buried out of sight and smell.

‘Discovering the Fleet’ tells the river Fleet’s extraordinary story as a case for unlocking the potential for future river use in London. It describes the whereabouts of the Thames’ other London tributaries, many lost but others awaiting their potential to be realized. The great possibilities for public use of London’s rivers is explored and pupils from Hugh Myddleton school have provided some inspiring reflections on Clerkenwell and a vision for rivers in London. Other noted Londoners, past and present, are quoted in their reflections on the subjects we explore.

This project has been put together by Fluid, McDowell+Benedetti and Wordsaladto celebrate the first London Architecture Biennale.

This exhibition lies on a line of flags which jump from post to post along Farringdon road, marking the present course of the Fleet through Clerkenwell. Following the signs down Ray Street, you will reach a grille in the road, through which you can hear the Fleet rushing beneath the city.

INFO

20 June - 3 July 2004

The open-air free public exhibition is on Vine St Bridge EC1, 24hrs a day.

Map