Brick Lane is a street in East London that has a rich and diverse history. It was once a hub for immigrants, especially from Bangladesh, who settled there and opened restaurants, shops and markets. It is famous for its many curry houses and is considered to be the heart of the country’s Bangladeshi community with the vicinity known to some as Banglatown. Brick Lane is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, locals and artists alike to visit in London’s East End. Today, it is also known for its vibrant street art scene, where artists from all over the world come to paint murals, graffiti and stencils on the walls.
The photographs on this webpage were taken during a visit here to look at the street art on a Sunday morning (in January 2023), intention being to capture some of the art on shop shutters, at a time of day when it was daylight and many businesses were closed. Note: for those interested in street art, there is some more from a visit to the Leake Street Tunnel, or Leake Street Arches, in London on the link Here.
The route chosen started from Whitechapel High Street, heading up Osborn Street, then along Brick Lane from its southern end up to Shoreditch. Some of the streets running off Brick Lane were also walked up and down, where felt there was potential to take photos of the street art. Some other streets were then briefly explored around Shoreditch, with the later points of interest being the street art on the building where King John Court and New Inn Yard intersect, and the nearby Romeo and Juliet house on New Inn Broadway (The house (photo towards end of webpage) is decorated all over with a colourful mural depicting the star-crossed lovers and is situated near Shakespeare's pre-Globe theatre in Shoreditch - it is here that the tragic love story was first performed back in the 16th century).
The street art of Brick Lane reflects the cultural diversity and social issues of the area. Some of the artists who have left their mark on Brick Lane include Banksy, D*Face, Invader, ROA, Stik and many more. The art is constantly changing and evolving, as new pieces are added or covered by others. Some of the themes that can be seen in the street art are politics, human rights, identity, humour and beauty.
Brick Lane is a place where history and art collide, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those who come here to enjoy the food, the music, the markets and the art. Brick Lane is more than just a street, it is a living museum of London's past and present. Further photos follow:
[Photos: 15 January 2023]
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