The Hopper

This monochrome drawing focuses on the Hopper, a tool used by manufacturers of road surfacing materials, such as sand and gravel.

For the artist, 'the disused hopper is one of many poignant reminders that convey a rich heritage of activity amongst one Thames community. This part of London is abandoned, haunting and in a perplexing state of flux between new and old ways. Lightermen, watermen and local people have dissolved into the shadows.'

The composite drawing depicts various elements from different sites in Greenwich, including Granite Wharf, Cadet Place and Banning Street. Focusing on London's changing riverscape, Martin Fidler completed a number of drawings at these sites; from them, he created this visual record combining remnants of the past.

Fidler's use of light and contrasting dark tones expresses his interest in the past and conveys the sculptural quality of contemporary, seemingly everyday, objects.