Hidden Treasures arts workshops | Sunday School Stories
20 August 2025
Over three bustling workshops, adults from different walks of life came together to create unique artworks inspired by our Social Justice, Music and Heritage legacy from our 200+ year archive gems including a copy of The Primary Department book by E. J. Archibald. Discover the archive items, see photos of the workshops and artworks created, and what the participants had to say below...
The sessions not only taught new skills but brought together diverse communities with friendly conversations, laid-back interactions, and spread the healing and educational power of culture, heritage, and creativity. Plus, a special thanks to our neighbours at Benita Bakery for the delicious, nutritious lunches we shared!
Mosaics were crafted depicting images that come to life from lesson suggestions featuring tales of nature and programmes for special occassions, such as Harvest and Christmas - led by Tessa Hunkin & Rada Stilianova | Click to reveal archive items and concept artwork.
Artistic postcards and vocal improvisation sent messages of thanks to important figures such as our Victorian period minister Henry Allon and organist Fountain Meen, musicians Amy Winehouse and The Jubilee Singers, Ghandi who autographed Union Chapel's past minister Charles James Barry's bible, suffragettes and teacher, philosopher, and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, and more - led by Lucinda Sieger | Click to reveal archive items.
Zines of collages and moving messages were created based on advice and lessons from The Primary Department that encouraged the importance of rest, quietness, and reflection for the development of children's mental and physical health - led by Zoë Gardner | Click to reveal archive items.
Participants will be leaving their mark on future Sunday School Stories activities as their artworks will be used within the treasure hunt for Young Tour Guides training we're introducing in 2026, as well as being exhibited during our 20 September 2025 free Open Day.
Thoughts from those who took part:
“Very nice, a lovely day, what lovely people and I love it so much. We are together, people from all around the world, different tongue, different nationalities, different religions too. It’s a lovely place to see all people together. I put a musical message to Union Chapel, Islington, London, for all people all around the world, musicians. In music we live, we have to respect each other, be patient, do what you love, then peace. I’m a rapper, my name is Messenger of Peace in all different languages. To be hand to hand, no difference, just humans under sky.” – Saif, Singing Postcard participant.
“It’s the sort of creative activities that Islington is good at providing, free of charge, which most people wouldn’t be able to afford if they weren’t offered in the way they were today. [Union Chapel] serves several purposes - a place of community, creativity, a history - where the community can meet together and share various activities of a creative nature but also provides a life force for those who are less fortunate; particularly the homeless. I’ve been through a lot in my life and I’m still in that place now, but creative activities give me an outlet for expression and learning about myself” - Pamela, Singing Postcard participant.
"The whole day was very welcoming, the food was yummy and comforting...so nice to be cared for through food, when you are a carer. I have just told my family about the history of Union Chapel and they were really interested in the work you do. Our family are planning to visit and be involved in Union Chapel." - Mosaic participant.
"Thank you for such a wonderful day, learned something about Union Chapel and making a mosaic now feels demystified!" - Lusiné, Mosaic participant.
"As the day developed, I had a growing feeling of being accepted and appreciated by the other participants. Looking back, I have the distict impression, in their turn, they shared that. I think we all appreciated the huge amount of thought and preparation that must have gone into the workshop - it seemed to be a work-in-progress itself, with its flexibility to the influence of participants. My favorite moment was to watch as each of us described our postcard - speaking their simple words without affectation; to be able to voice a phrase like "I am important" without irony or challenge shows courage and faith in one's audience" - Bob, Singing Postcard participant.
"Zoe was excellent, sensitive, and very inclusive. I loved the activity and the thought behind it." - Walney, Collage & Zines participant
"I enjoyed most the way Zoe made everyone feel welcomed and included" - Collage & Zines participant.
We've more free cross-arts, community co-produced, heritage-inspired activities coming up as part of Sunday School Stories.
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