Street Art in London
Graffiti and Murals in Shoreditch
One thing Charlie loves about London is the wide variety of things to see and do and the fact that there’s always something new to discover. Even if you’ve spent your whole life there, there will always be something you haven’t seen before.
Charlie had been planning to walk around Shoreditch and Brick Lane to shoot the graffiti since she had done the street photography course with Carole last summer, but there were always other things to do. A few days ago, meetup suggested the tour “Hidden London: Magical Graffiti & Street Art Photo Tour off the beaten track”. Charlie checked her calendar, nothing in there for that day, booked!
About the Shoreditch Area
Charlie had been to Shoreditch a million times for jam sessions, dance classes, photography courses and party (of course), but she didn’t know much about the area. That was about to change. She met Jude, the tour guide, and Ruth outside of Shoreditch High Street station at 10 a.m. and Jude started with an overview of the history of Shoreditch.
The area was originally outside the city walls of London and it only became interesting in the 19th century with the industrial revolution and the nearby port at Limehouse. Failed crops in Ireland and the prosecution of Jews in Russia led to immigration to Britain. They settled in Shoreditch. The area around Bricklane changed completely with the immigrants from India and Bangladesh in the 1970s turning it into Banglatown. Today, Shoreditch is well-known amongst Londoners for its street markets and graffiti during the day, and the rich night life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the safest area in London. Watch your things if you start walking around to take some shots.
Artistic expression through Murals
In the early days, murals were forbidden and quickly painted over, but over time, they have turned into an opportunity for artists. By now, lots of them are commercialised and agencies get licensed walls for this kind of artwork. Some of them are used as advertising by video-on-demand-services to promote new series or movies.
Later during the tour, they’ve met one of the artists, Jim, and he gave some more insights into the type of work they get commissioned nowadays and that it is getting more difficult to find a space where a new piece would remain long enough to make it worth the time that needs to be put in. Lots of Murals in the area seem to change very frequently. This on the other hand makes it worth coming again and again and you will always find new graffiti to get in front of the lens. But of course, the artists prefer a wall where the art stays for a bit longer. Jim was showing a print of the next project that he is currently looking for a place to bring it on. Charlie was impressed.
Wandering around
They started the tour at Shoreditch High Street station and walked towards Club Row and passed by the King John Court and New Inn Yard where they are rebuilding an ancient theatre from the Shakespeare era. At King John Court, they admired a massive Mural that goes all around the building and has been painted by 6 different artists. The frequent stops to shoot the graffiti and to get the camera settings right (with some tips by Jude) made the time quickly pass by.
After a short lunch break, they continued on down the Sunday market at Brick Lane where they got some typical street scenes in front of the camera and more. There was a chess player in the street who was inviting the people around to play against him. He was playing 4 games at the same time which Charlie found quite impressive given that chess is a game that requires some brain work.
Hidden Gem in Shoreditch
They left the busiest part, took a little side street where Jude showed them the Nomadic Community Gardens.
Charlie had never heard of this place and she is really wondering why this isn’t better known. It’s built on grounds next to the train tracks that will probably soon see some construction work. Until then, the owners have given the space to the community who has built a fascinating garden that is enhanced by more street art – definitely a hidden gem in the middle of busy Shoreditch. If you want to chat directly to some of the street artists, this is definitely the place to go. But please keep in mind that it is one of these places where you’re better off in a small group than on your own.
