Wharf Life May 26-Jun 23

Wharf Life May 26-Jun 23, 2021 wharf-life.com

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Canary Wharf

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Minutes – the length of Imani’s story, which can be printed off at Canary Wharf’s Short Story Stations across the estate

how Old Flo inspired hundreds of young writers to enter Canary Wharf’s short story competition by Jon Massey

H

enry Moore’s Draped Seated Woman has been many things over the years. Known locally as Old Flo, the sculpture – which currently sits in Cabot Square – has been on the minds of Tower Hamlets school pupils. Canary Wharf Group challenged students to write a fictional story inspired by the artwork, with the winner taking home £1,000 for their school and an Apple iPad Air for themselves. Having received more than 450 entries, the panel of judges gave first place to Imani Ali’s story, praising it for its vivid depiction of the sculpture. Imani, who is in Year 10 at Mulberry School For Girls in Whitechapel, said: “The first idea that came into my head was to write a story about a human that became a statue and I felt it was a really good starting point. “I actually don’t know where the idea came from – I’d been reading information about the sculpture and it just popped into my mind. “As the story went on, I decided to add another character. I knew Old Flo was a public artwork so I had the idea of having someone coming near her overflowing with emotion, and turning her into a human again. “Mr Creed emailed us to tell us about the opportunity – I’d never written a story about a statue before and I thought it would be a good idea to take part. “I really like writing stories. You can link them to real life or not to real life at all. I mostly write adventure stories or ones about murder – I don’t know why. Writing is really cool. “I’d definitely like to be a

Old Flo in Cabot Square writer. When I found out I’d won this competition I was ecstatic, just so glad. “I didn’t think I’d win – I’d read some of my friends’ stories and they were really, really good and then I found out and my whole family were so happy. “The sculpture is unique – I’d never seen anything like it before we came on a trip from school to get inspiration. “I’m going to use the iPad to do more writing. Maybe I’ll find some more competitions and enter them. “This contest was such a great opportunity, I really hope Canary Wharf does more in the future.” One of the competition judges, arts and events manager at Tower Hamlets Council Catherine Boyd, said: “What an amazingly talented group of young writers this was that entered. I am completely blown away.” Imani’s five-minute work will be available at all the Short Story Stations in Canary Wharf, which are located in Canada Place, Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Place, until May 31. Stories from runners-up Leila in Year 7 at Canary Wharf College Crossharbour and Treina in Year 8 at George Green’s School are available via the three-minute and one-minute options on the machines respectively. In celebration of her win, and for those unable to get their own print-out in time, Wharf Life has printed Imani’s story in full. Turn to Pages 10-11

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Left, Imani with a print-out of her winning story and, above, sister Ameerah has a read in Canary Wharf’s Canada Place Mall

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