Compressor House Warming: Model Talk Series

Did you know we have a model of the Royal Docks?

Join us for a series of talks exploring stories of the Royal Docks – where we are, where we’ve been and what next?

From local history to a mermaid’s eye view, from personal reflections to ambitions for the future; each talk offers you a unique perspective on the Docks. Created by community members and the Royal Docks Team, each talk takes inspiration from our 3D Royal Docks Model, housed in newly refurbished Compressor House.

It's free, but booking is recommended.

THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER

The Royal Docks History Tour by Marieta Evans
Thurs 2nd Oct, 12.30 - 1pm
Marieta Evans mixes history with memories shared by people who worked and lived in the Royal Docks during its more industrial days. This talk is inspired by Heritage Boards that were created by Marieta to mark 10 key history, landmarks and stories – also currently on display at the Pump House! Marieta is a former North Woolwich resident and a co-founder of the now disappeared Royal Docks History Club project.

Making a Splash – A Mermaid’s Guide to Docks Life by Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Thurs 2nd Oct, 6.15 - 6.45pm
Dive beneath the surface and discover the hidden magic of the waters of the Royal Docks as experienced by Momtaz Begum-Hossain, an advocate for encouraging others to explore their creativity and prioritise their wellbeing.

FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER

The Royal Docks: a Place for all to Live, Work and Play by Natasha Ghitt and Matt Davies
Fri 3rd Oct, 12.30 - 1pm
Are you curious about the Royal Docks Team’s plans to support new and improved places to live, work and play? Join Natasha Ghitt, Senior Development and Matt Davies, Head of Economic Development for the Royal Docks Team, as they give a talk about the work going on to develop the Docks. Also, learn about the heritage of the area and the plans for supporting legacy and community stewardship of the place.

The Royal Docks 1980s Revival by Matt Ponting
Fri 3rd Oct, 6.15 - 6.45pm
Let Matt Ponting, take you on an artistic journey focusing on the buildings that were lost and the regeneration plans of the 1980s and 1990s. An artist and artist educator living in Beckton Park, Matt explores what happened in the immediate aftermath of the dock closures through illustrated studies of the area, alongside archive photos and videos.


SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER

Development Plans &  Ambitions for the Royal Docks by Paul Creed
Sat 4th Oct, 11 - 11:30am
Did you know the Royal Docks covers 1,200 acres of land, with 250 acres of water and nearly 12 miles of waterfront? The Royal Docks is on its way to being transformed into a dynamic new destination for London. Powered by its diverse communities, pioneering spirit and global links. Come and find out what’s in store with Paul Creed, the Head of Development and Placemaking for the Royal Docks Team. Paul will talk through the eight major development schemes, public spaces and future ambitions for the water.

My Digital Time Capsule: Memories of the Royal Docks – a Talk and Performance by Natasha Cox
Sat 4th Oct, 12.30 - 1pm
Join Natasha Cox, Lawrence Olivier Award-winning performer and founder and artistic director of youth arts organisation Actively SeeK.I.N.G CIC, as she unlocks a digital time capsule of life in Newham. Through personal stories, archival voices, lively Cockney East End songs, and the trailblazing spirit of Black dancer Josie Woods, Natasha will bring the Royal Docks to life, tracing how everyday people and places are threaded through extraordinary histories.

Participants are encouraged to use the Model Talk Series to inspire their response to Royal Docks Reimagined, an interactive installation that explores what the Royal Docks could be.

Browse Full Royal Docks Originals programme

Download Royal Docks Originals 2025 brochure