In 1961, a young artist, Geoffrey Harris (1928-2012), was commissioned to create the Generations sculpture,  representing opportunities and family unity on the estate. It echoes the work of the famous artist, Henry Moore, whom Harris worked for in the late 1950s.

 

It’s hard to imagine today, but until the mid-19th century, the Haverstock neighbourhood of Camden remained a sparsely-developed, rural community on the outskirts of London! 

 

In 1847, the Orphan Working School moved here from central London and was later renamed after the Maitland family, who were long-running supporters of the orphanage. The area was rapidly developed with housing in the late 19th century. The orphanage and surrounding neighbourhood were badly damaged during the Second World War. The orphanage was demolished after the war, and the new Maitland Park Estate was constructed by the London County Council in the late 1940s. The housing expanded during the 1950s/1960s with a number of new council-built blocks.

 

The sculpture was commissioned as part of a major post-war scheme by the London County Council to place artworks around schools, public buildings and estates to bring London’s communities together after the trauma of the Second World War.

 

The artist’s son, Chris Harris, is involved in the project - sharing family archive images and speaking to young people about his father’s work.

 

Proud Places have been bringing young people to visit the sculpture, learn about its history and sculpt their own clay versions. 

 

An activities day took place in late March 2026 at The Residents Association Hall,hosted by Proud Places, to tell local residents and families on the estate about the restoration project. They also had the opportunity to create their own artworks inspired by the sculpture.