Community Clay Day: Clay Tiles for the Long Table

Chiswick Kitchen Gardens: Co-Designing Our New Communal Table

One of the most unique and rewarding aspects of this project was the direct involvement of the Chiswick House community. While Mark and I served as the head designers for the new communal table, our goal from the start was to co-design this addition with the community for the community. This table, destined to become a permanent fixture in the garden, would be more than just a piece of furniture—it would be a gathering space where people could come together, share meals, and build lasting connections.

Bringing the Community into the Design

I needed to find the best way to gather input and feedback on the table design while reflecting the spirit and diversity of our community. We had already had valuable conversations with various community partners, but time was tight, and we couldn't facilitate more formal discussions. That’s when inspiration struck: why not engage visitors in a creative, hands-on activity that could influence the final design? Given our intention to incorporate ceramics into the table, I thought, Let's get visitors to play with clay!

On Thursday, July 25th, we invited the Chiswick House community to join us for a free, drop-in clay workshop and ideas session to co-design the new communal table. The idea was simple: through clay tile making, participants would have the chance to create something personal that could become a permanent part of this shared space.

Clay Tile Making: Organic Shapes Inspired by Nature

Based on my earlier conversations with community groups, it was clear that organic lines and natural forms were key to the aesthetic. With this in mind, I decided that circular tiles would work best for the table, and calculated that we’d need 16 tiles to complete the design.

Visitors of all ages were invited to create their own unique tiles, reflecting the beauty of the garden. We encouraged them to use plants grown in the kitchen garden, found objects from the space, and their own drawings to press into the clay. Katherine, one of our dedicated gardeners, kindly provided a variety of plants that left stunning textures in the clay, creating a direct connection between the table and the garden it would inhabit.

When the day arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had my fingers crossed for at least 16 participants—but what we got far exceeded my expectations. Despite the occasional downpour, the community showed up, bringing with them incredible creativity and enthusiasm. By the end of the day, we had 51 beautiful, hand-crafted tiles—far more than I’d hoped for! These tiles not only gave participants a hands-on experience with clay but also offered them the chance to leave a lasting mark on a space they care about deeply.

The Ideas Wall: Vision for the Long Table

Alongside the tile-making workshop, we set up an Ideas Wall to capture thoughts and suggestions about the table and its role in the garden. Visitors shared how they envisioned the table being used—from communal meals and supper clubs to more intimate gatherings and workshops. There were also fantastic ideas about incorporating sustainable materials and making sure the table reflected the natural beauty of the garden.

It was truly inspiring to see how thoughtful and creative the community’s input was, with each suggestion helping to shape the final design of the table.

What’s Next: From Concept to Reality

The feedback and design ideas from the co design day will now be incorporated into the next stage of the communal table’s development. The tiles crafted by the community will be fired and glazed, ready to be set into the final table. The ideas shared on the Ideas Wall will help guide the overall design, ensuring that the table is a true reflection of the community’s wishes and needs.

We are excited to continue this journey with you and can’t wait to unveil the completed table on September 1st. This project has been made extra special by the incredible input from everyone who attended the co-design day—you’ve helped create something that will serve as a place to gather, celebrate, and harvest connections for years to come.

A Huge Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this special day, and to the Chiswick House staff for their support. Whether you contributed a tile, shared an idea, or simply spent time in the garden with us, your involvement has made a lasting impact.

Together, we are building more than just a table—we are creating a space that will foster connection, conversation, and community in the heart of the Chiswick Kitchen Gardens.

Stay tuned for updates as the communal table project progresses. We can’t wait to welcome you back to see the the contstruction of the table on August 16th and finished table with these amazing tiles when we celebrate this incredible community achievement on September 1st.