Last updated: 17 July 2023
East London is synonymous with street art. Every week at least one new street art piece pops up in the area of London most populated by street art, Shoreditch.
Stroll through the streets of this infamous area, once associated with the serial killings of Jack the Ripper and the gangster activity of the Kray twins. Nowadays you’ll find the street art mixed into a gentrified area dominated by independent cafes, boutique barber shops and whole streets dedicated to the cuisine of the original 20th century residents of the area, the Bangladeshis.
Street art varies from famous works by Banksy to antipodean James Cochran and the 3D art of Cityzenkane. Look closely enough you’ll be able to find everything in between.
Although street art is meant to be temporary, artists frequently choose the same walls. For example, on Whitby Street, you can find more than one piece of work by James Cochran.
However street art isn’t just paint on walls. On top of this street sign is the Angel of Sclater Street. The artist is ‘Jonesy’, who used real pigeon wings to turn his mini-sculpture into something a little bit different. This unique piece is much harder to find than the large scale street art which dominate the various alleys and wall spaces so take the time to absorb your surroundings.
The street is a dynamic environment where some work will last a long time and others will be painted over in a matter of days. When exploring East London, some of the images featured here may be simply history. It’s all about chance.
On Sundays, Columbia Road in Bethnal Green is one of London’s largest street flower markets. To explore and appreciate the mosaics along the street, come here on any other day.
Around the corner from Shoreditch High Street station is Sclater Street. This street was once known for a remarkable number of people living here dealing in birds as a profession.
Now it’s future is earmarked for development. Prime location, proximity to transport and the hustle and bustle of Brick Lane. The life of street art here is limited.
In Shoreditch, the street is just a part of the atmosphere. Life carries on whether you see it, interact with it, or not. The men in the image below were happily sitting on the kerb sharing a coffee and having a jolly chat.
What’s the best way to experience the East London street art scene?
Just take a tube to Whitechapel or the Overground to Shoreditch High Street, pick a direction, and just start walking. You don’t have to search for the art, the art will find you. Take your time, immerse yourself, and enjoy.
Where to find East London street art locations:
Disclaimer:
Our complementary tour of East London Street Art was in collaboration with HP, Currys and Joe Blogs Network. Our tour was conducted by Alternative London. Opinions here are solely my own. We were not financially compensated for this post.
