One of the places that I never cease to get energy from is Brick Lane, Redchurch Street, Box Park and wider Shorditch. Here are some of the things that made me stop in my tracks this week.
The first image above is from street artist known as Stik. His work is really important as Stik’s pieces stand up for the desolate and vulnerable in society. Have a look at the mattress in the doorway. You might not have realised it but Stik was homeless himself for a number of years before finding fame as a street artist. This made this picture all the more resonant. I’ve passed so many people on the street sleeping rough in the last few weeks and with temperatures the lowest ever recorded it makes you think of others and the struggles that people face.
The second image is from the street artist known as D7606. It’s so nice to see tributes to the amazing David Bowie popping up across the city and Shorditch is a real hub at the moment. I’m sure new pieces from both artists will appear as the weeks and months change.
Retail therapy
I love shop layouts, design, fashion and beautifully curated collections. It’s why walking down Redchurch Street can be seriously dangerous for the pockets of those with a magpie eye! Modern Society, Aimé London and Aesop are all within a few steps, so even if it’s just for a window shop, head to this street. There’s street art, history, architecture, independent shops and cracking coffee. What more could you want from an area I ask?