Care & Magic (2024) was a series of activities and subtle gestures of repair and rejuvenation for Edgware Library in Barnet, North London, including a new rug for the children’s library inspired by the original 1960s library wallpaper and informed by the conversations with local people.

Care & Magic drew on Edgware Library’s history as a civic modernist building within an edge-of-London suburb, and the library’s photo archive documenting past acts of magic – such as visits from a harpist, a ballet dancer and a horse. Over six months, new activities included a magic show in the children’s library, harpist Nathalie Lurie performing in the main library, flower pressing in deadstock library books, lino printing, and a new planting scheme from the front of the building. The new rug incorporates children’s drawings and a pattern found on a fragment of wallpaper. Activities connected with specific local groups: Edgware Primary School, Stonegrove Community Centre, the Youth Justice Services and Library staff and its volunteers.

It was commissioned as part of the Edgware Centenary Programme, celebrating 100 years of Edgware.

Photograph 2: Thierry Bal
Photograph 3: Courtesy Barnet Libraries
Photograph 4: Maël Hénaff
Photograph 5: Mark Sepple
Rug design: An Endless Supply
Thanks to: Jon Killick, Hannah Richens, Jack Newbury, Moira Lascelles, Leila Baetong
Curated by Up Projects and commissioned by Barnet Council