In 2017 a series of abandoned garages beneath the Ludham and Waxham Estate were transformed into a home for the London School of Mosaic (LSoM), creating a vibrant new focal point for creativity and community action in the heart of Gospel Oak. The opening of Mother Canteen in 2019 consolidated LSoM’s position as a uniquely welcoming local landmark.

Having establish itself a key resource for local charities, artists, makers and the wider community, LSoM saw the opportunity to convert the remaining derelict garages in the Ludham Undercroft into further space which would support local creativity and create new opportunities for community engagement.

Architects public works were appointed in 2019 to develop a feasibility study exploring how the existing empty garages could be upgraded into permanent workshop spaces, and the project received a grant from the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund in 2020. This was matched with funding from Camden Council and Arts Council England.

Named after the revitalised undercroft that houses it, The Undercraft consists of a community hub, studios, and an expanded home of the London School of Mosaic - with in-house café Mother Canteen remaining very much in residence.

Production credits

The project was made possible through the collaboration, perseverance and hard work of the following groups:

London School of Mosaic, Project Management, Vision and Fundraising (Alice Clay, Silvie Jacobi, Joe Moss, Jenny Carvalho, Ana Milenkovic, David Tootill, Sharina Shaharudin and the board of trustees)

public works, Architects (Rhianon Morgan-Hatch, Tom Dobson, Freddie Wiltshire and Carlotta Novella)

BWA, Cost Consultant (John Desmond, Peter Wray)

OfCA, Construction Management (Nicholas Henninger, Chris Heaton)

Kolja Hohberg, Website and Branding

Stephen Norman Young, Photography

Funders and Supporters

GLA Good Growth Fund, Funding (Megan Dean)

Camden Council

Arts Council England

Garfield Weston

Our local community topped up by Power to Change funding though Crowdfunder