Shoreditch and neighbouring Hoxton in the east of London are parts of the city I very much like. Home to a thriving community of independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and bars it is a welcome break from the mass appeal commercial enterprises that blight many high streets. Every visit is an opportunity for exploration, to see what’s new and worth checking out. This visit it was Mikkeller (2-4 Hackney Road), a great addition too the London craft beer scene which actually opened late last year. It’s too easy and a bit of a cliche to say that Shoreditch is the home of the hipster, to me it’s the home of people that like something just a little bit different, whatever that may be, and long may it continue.
There is a massive art scene in Shoreditch and this is no better illustrated than by the street art that abounds in the area. I took the Northern Line to Old Street to begin my exploration but you could just as easily use Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street as your jumping off point. Leave Old Street station onto the very busy Old Street and head in the direction of Shoreditch. There is an opportunity to pick up a craft beer or doughnut if you are in need of refreshment. When the road forks take the right branch onto Great Eastern Street and your street art experience begins.
Underneath is this piece by misterthoms.
The artist Eine is well known for large, circus style typography and there is a good example along Rivington Street.
At the end of Rivington Street turn right onto Curtain Road. New Inn Yard is the third road on the left just before you reach Great Eastern Street.
Some of the art here becomes more impressive because of its sheer scale. In 2018 a project began to create a set of murals on the Graffoto Building themed around the idea of connectivity. Each mural was created by a pair of artists and it is simply stunning in its sheer scale and complexity. This thematic piece has elevated street art to a new level in Shoreditch simply by its size. It begins on New Inn Yard with is piece by Lovepusher and Mr Cenz.
Next to this a mural by Nomad Clad from Manchester depicting the pigeon post and letters as a form of communication.
North Seal and Best Ever have created a mural depicting had shakes set within a lattice framework.
At the corner with King John Court Busk and Mr Oliver Switch have created this piece with has now sadly been tagged.
Ed Hicks and Zadik show how a fungal mycelium has many connections in the biological world.
Captain Chris and Tizer illustrate connectivity between the real and imaginary worlds.
Finally, or firstly if you approved from the opposite direction, we have this piece by Hunto and Mr Thoms.
On Holywell Lane there are some interesting pieces on the hoardings including this by JimVision entitled The Umbrella Academy.
From the end of Holywell Lane turn right and then left into Bethnal Green Road. Ebor Street is then the first on the left. Here you will find Ben Eines mural Peace is Possible.
On nearby Whitby Street is another mural by Jim Vision.
At the end of the street there are two superb murals by James Cochran, also known as Jimmy C.
There is much more to see in the area including some fine works on nearby Sclater Street but the Sunday marked prevented me from taking any photographs on this visit.
