Wembley Park, the site of the grand 1924 British Empire Exhibition, was once a space intended to glorify British colonial power. Nearly a century has passed, its imperial legacy endures, deeply ingrained in local street names and buildings. Naming Pains seeks to address and challenge these colonial commemorations through historical research, community dialogue, and advocacy for inclusive, reflective urban spaces.

Why Does This Matter?

 Names are powerful symbols, deeply embedded with history, politics, and cultural meaning. When urban spaces retain names linked to colonialism, they silently reinforce outdated and problematic narratives. These commemorations often overlook or erase diverse and complex histories, presenting a simplified, uncritical celebration of empire.

Naming Pains challenges us all to ask: Who decides how history is remembered—and who does it serve?

Interactive Digital Map

Explore our interactive map, which highlights key colonial commemorations in Wembley Park. For deeper insights and historical context about each highlighted location, refer to our detailed research in the Naming Pains report.


Our Approach

Our research-driven approach combines archival exploration with critical analysis to uncover the complex layers behind colonial commemorations in Wembley Park. The Naming Pains book, freely accessible online, rigorously investigates the historical contexts, exposing how imperial nostalgia has been embedded in the city's fabric. We aim not only to document these commemorations but to foster informed discussions and encourage meaningful reflection and action toward dismantling colonial legacies.

Our Vision for Change

We strive for a post-imperial city—an urban environment that consciously breaks away from colonial narratives and celebrates the rich, diverse heritage of all its inhabitants. Our vision includes genuine community engagement in decisions around naming and commemoration, transparent dialogue between residents, local councils, and property developers, and a clear commitment to creating urban spaces rooted in collective, inclusive histories rather than outdated imperial symbols.
Naming Pains (Softback) Naming Pains offers an insightful exploration into the profound impact of the 1924 British Empire Exhibition on the urban planning and cultural memory of Wembley Park. This book delves into the historical context of the Exhibition, scrutinising the commemorative practices that continue to shape the area’s landscape today.

It challenges readers to reconsider the implications of imperial nostalgia embedded in Wembley’s streets, buildings, and public spaces, advocating for a post-imperial city that acknowledges and rectifies the oppressive legacies of colonialism.

Digital Copy: Available to read for free
Read Naming Pains here
Physical Copy: Please allow for 7 to 10 days for dispatch.
Dimensions A4 (297mm x 210mm), 70pp
Press Coverage

“An urbanist who ‘decolonises’ London. Until the ‘history of domination’ embedded in place names is unraveled”, IDEAS FOR GOOD JAPAN (2023) — https://ideasforgood.jp/2023/11/24/decolonising-wembley/

“They’re profiting off our problems – Inequality in Brent”, Equality Trust (2024) — https://equalitytrust.org.uk/news/blog/theyre-profiting-off-our-problems-inequality-in-brent/
“Human Zoos and the 1924 British Empire Exhibition”, The Decolonial Centre (2025) — https://decolonialcentre.org/2025/05/20/human-zoos-and-the-1924-british-empire-exhibition-colonial-display-and-its-legacy/

“The Empire in miniature”, Writers Mosiac (2025) — https://writersmosaic.org.uk/close-up/the-empire-in-miniature/