Reimagining and revitalizing the landmark clock on Cricklewood Broadway

For over a decade, the clock situated in the median of Cricklewood Broadway remained non-functional, prompting continuous complaints from local residents to Barnet Council. In response to these concerns, the Cricklewood Town Team collaborated with the charity We Restart to reimagine and revitalize this longstanding landmark funded by Barnet Council.​

We Restart team, together with local artist Marco Ferrara, delved into Cricklewood’s architectural heritage, noting that much of the area’s development occurred between 1887 and 1920. This period saw the transformation of Cricklewood into a recognizable district, with the construction of churches, chapels, schools, and a shopping parade along Edgware Road between 1910 and 1914.​¹

Drawing inspiration from the Art Nouveau floral patterns prevalent during the early 20th century, the team sought to incorporate these intricate designs into the clock’s new aesthetic. For the colour palette, they turned to contemporary works by artist Lakwena, particularly her vibrant installation at the Brent Cross Town electrical substation. This 21-meter-high and 52-meter-long artwork, titled “Here we come, here we rise,” features exuberant colours and patterns that have transformed the substation into a local landmark.² ​

By integrating similar colours and the intricate floral motifs of British 1910, the revitalized clock aims to create a visual dialogue between different areas in Barnet, bridging historical and contemporary artistic expressions. The collaborative effort aspires to establish the transformed clock as a new emblem of Cricklewood’s rich cultural tapestry.