Polish artist Alicja Patanowska creates first installation for London’s Urban Farmer Project

Elise Morton
Tue 26 November 2024 

Polish artist Alicja Patanowska creates first installation for London’s Urban Farmer Project


Last week, Polish artist Alicja Patanowska’s PLANTATION was unveiled at Urban Farmer Project – a pioneering initiative in London’s Fleet Street Quarter that seeks to combat food waste and foster sustainable food production, all from a neglected urban plot amidst the big business of the Square Mile.

Apt for this location, the project’s inaugural artwork reflects Patanowska’s ongoing exploration of waste and luxury, as well as her commitment to raising awareness about plant care and environmental sustainability.

Install image - PLANTATION by Alicja Patanowska at the Urban Farmer Project. - Alka Murat

The installation features a series of handmade porcelain elements designed for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables using hydroponics, alongside repurposed drinking glasses – ranging from pint glasses to champagne flutes, collected both from the streets of London and the artist’s hometown in Poland.


In fact, it was discarded glasses that first inspired Patanowska to create PLANTATION ten years ago, when, as a student at the Royal College of Art, she was struck by the number of glasses left outside London pubs and bars and felt compelled to upcycle these thrown-away materials.

The 200 vessels will form part of an ecosystem – a live artwork, with visitors able to observe growth and change in plants over the course of the installation’s time at the Urban Farmer Project.


Install image - PLANTATION by Alicja Patanowska at the Urban Farmer Project. - Alka Murat

On show in London until 12 December, Patanowska has previously presented iterations of PLANTATION at the Museum of the Future, Dubai (2023), the National Museum in Krakow, Poland (2018 & 2022), and the Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro (2016).

“I am delighted that PLANTATION will form part of the Urban Farmer Project. Creating amore eco-conscious community, expanding green spaces in the city, and sharing knowledge about the vital role of caring for nature in achieving a balanced life are essential as we face the climate crisis,” Patanowska said.

PLANTATION exemplifies the ambition of the Urban Farmer Project, fusing sustainability, education and creativity and affirming our FSQ vision of creating a climate resilient district for all to enjoy. We are delighted to be developing our cultural connections with Poland,” Lucy French, CEO of Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District, added.

Install image - PLANTATION by Alicja Patanowska at the Urban Farmer Project. - Alka Murat

This site-specific installation is co-produced with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Polish Cultural Institute in London, Let’s Art Foundation, and On & On Designs as part of preparations for the 2025 UK/Poland Culture and Creative Season organised in collaboration with the British Council.

Set within the former bar of property developer Landsec’s Hill House development, just north of Fleet Street, and delivered in partnership with Landsec and London’s Community Kitchen, the Urban Farmer Project aims to create a marketplace, educational hub, and event space with a mission to tackle food poverty, increase access to sustainable farm produce, and support British agriculture.

Install image - PLANTATION by Alicja Patanowska at the Urban Farmer Project. - Alka Murat

Alicja Patanowska’s PLANTATION is on show at the Urban Farmer Project until 12 December 2024.