
Monster Soup Commonly Called Thames Water, Being a Correct Representation of that Precious Stuff Doled out to Us by William Heath (1828); Photo taken at Philadelphia Art Museum exhibition (2018): Biting Wit and Brazen Folly: British Satirical Prints, 1780s–1830s
In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was common practice to locate noxious smelling factories, fisheries, iron foundries, sewers, breweries, and mills around Barking Creek. As a concentrated centre of industry and manufacturing, the area developed a reputation for strong smells emitted from myriad pungent sources.
As the factories and mills have moved elsewhere and Barking's waterfront is being transformed into new developments, The Barking Stink heritage project seeks to bring Barking's industrial past back to life via the sense of smell. The project aims 'to explore these stories via the sense of smell to bring it to life for children, young people and adults alike.'
The project includes pop-up exhibitions, school programmes, walks, workshops and other resources located in Valence House Museum (24 Aug to 6 Nov) and South Bank outside the National Theatre (for a limited run: 24 Aug to 5 Oct).