Professor leads immersive Grenfell walking tour, in an exciting knowledge exchange

Last week, Professor Flora Cornish, LSE Department of Methodology, explored a different kind of knowledge exchange - a walking tour of North Kensington to a group of international housing scholars exploring "Epistemes of non-dominant habitation".

Flora has conducted extensive qualitative research into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, and its impact on the local community.

Starting on Lancaster Road, the walking group discussed the inequalities and contestation over public assets and land in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. They then walked towards Grenfell itself, pausing to pay their respects at the base of the tower. Discussions contextualised the fire within a history of residents who battled to have their voices heard.

The walk ended at Hope Gardens and the wall of truth. The group received hot tea and snacks, and planted tulip bulbs ready for spring. Speaking to volunteers, they learned more about the memorial garden and explored the art and messages on the walls.

Eight and a half years later, Grenfell Tower currently stands at half its former height, in the process of deconstruction.

Flora said:

"I spent so much time in these streets in 2017-2019. So many silent walks and public meetings, digesting what was happening with others on the streets. The echoes and shadows are still there, in layers of the past, and meanwhile everyday life moves on. It is the same and different at the same time.

"We were struck again by the kindness of community members and the reassuringness of gardens - which will flourish and return to life every spring if you tend them - whatever the fate of criminal prosecutions or decisions about funding or development"