STAFF from HS2 dined out with a group of artists at Old Oak Common on 100 plates and 100 bowls made using London clay excavated on site.

The rail project collaborated with Absolute Beginners, an arts group led by Tom James.

Made by using off-grid power, local materials and simple tools, the ceramics are a reminder of the clay foundations of the station site.

The new dinner service will be used by the station team to celebrate construction milestones through meals with the community.

The first celebratory meal took place at Old Oak Common on Saturday (21), with 80 people attending including the young people who made the dinner service, guests from the community, as well as HS2’s supply chain.

Tom James, Director of Absolute Beginners, said: “We’ve spent the last two years learning to work with the clay that’s being extracted from Old Oak Common. We’re calling them Low Speed Plates, because they are.

“Led by artist Phil Root, our young people have learnt every step of the process: from breaking down the raw material, to learning how to make these plates by hand, to developing prototypes and going into production.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we’re thrilled with the results.’"

Research is now underway with Park Royal Open Workshop and Re-Made into the re-use of materials in the concrete casting process.

Earlier this month, excavated clay was also featured in a showcase at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing, organised with the Park Royal Design District.