Revealing the stories beneath the surface
A new creative installation across Marylebone is shining a light on the hidden layers of the area’s identity, from forgotten waterways and architectural details to the stories woven through its streets.
Hidden Marylebone is the outcome of a collaborative design challenge delivered by Baker Street Quarter Partnership and Portman Marylebone in partnership with students from the University of Westminster.
Tasked with reimagining temporary window spaces along Blandford Street, students were invited to create concepts inspired by the lesser-known character of Marylebone. The result is a bold visual response that explores the area beyond what meets the eye.
The Concept: Hidden Marylebone
The winning concept draws inspiration from the patterns, textures and untold narratives embedded within Marylebone’s landscape.
At the heart of the design is the story of the River Tyburn, the historic river that once flowed beneath the area and still runs underground today. This hidden waterway becomes a metaphor for the unseen layers of Marylebone itself, influencing a visual language inspired by movement, flow and discovery.
Alongside this, the design references Marylebone’s architectural character, cultural richness and distinctive urban fabric, translating familiar local details into a contemporary graphic identity.
The result is an installation that invites passers-by to pause, look closer, and discover a different side of Marylebone.
A collaboration with creative emerging talent
The project was developed through a live creative challenge with students from the University of Westminster, giving emerging designers the opportunity to respond to a real-world brief rooted in place, storytelling and public realm design.
Following presentations to a judging panel representing Baker Street Quarter Partnership, Portman Marylebone, The Portman Estate, Derwent London and creative industry professionals, the winning proposal was selected for development and installation.
The winning designers, Angela Cammarota and Souki Faulkner, impressed the panel with a concept that balanced creativity, strong storytelling and a clear sense of place.
About the installation
Located along Blandford Street in Marylebone, the installation transforms vacant frontage windows into a creative canvas celebrating the area’s hidden identity.
The project forms part of a wider ambition to use art, design and storytelling to enrich the experience of Marylebone’s streets, bringing moments of creativity and discovery into everyday spaces.
