In 2017, artist Sonia Boyce OBE RA was commissioned to create an artwork running along a 1.9km stretch of the Elizabeth line in the London Borough of Newham. Central to the development of the artwork was an engagement with residents of North Woolwich, Silvertown and Custom House to draw out the rich and unique cultural history of the area.  

From September 2017 to June 2018, the artist worked extensively with local people of all ages and backgrounds to gather personal testimonies and stories of characters and events that have shaped the neighbourhood, over 170 of which feature in the artwork. Newham Trackside Wall is Sonia Boyce's first public artwork, and was commissioned by Crossrail, curated by UP Projects and engineered by Atkins.