Street Art Exploration on Brick Lane: Self-Directed Tour with a Map, Offered at No Cost
Explore the colourful and dynamic urban art landscape of Brick Lane and East London with its rich history, diverse culture, and a plethora of street art. This creative hub, located between Aldgate and Aldgate East underground stations, offers a unique blend of British and international artists, showcasing a variety of styles from large murals to eclectic combinations of painting, sculpture, and photography.
Your adventure begins at the corner of Wentworth Street and Brick Lane. As you walk along, take note of Sclater Street, a long-standing spot for street art, with murals and paste-ups all along the left side of the road. About halfway along, you'll find a large tag from controversial London-based artist Helch.
Continue down Brick Lane, and on your right, before the railway bridge, you'll find Graffiti Alley, usually home to great large-scale graffiti. On the other side of Bethnal Green Road, there are usually a few murals, including a "legal wall" used for commissioned street art.
The best time to take the walking tour is either on Sunday or on a weekday evening, as many shops have artwork painted onto their shutters which can only be seen when the shops are shut. If visiting on a Sunday, the railway bridge is where the Brick Lane Street Market kicks off.
Past the bridge, turn left into Cheshire Street, then take the first left into Grimsby Street, where you'll find awesome large-scale murals. At the back of Grimsby St, there is a large mural by Hackney-born artist Stik called The Screamers, which has been there since 2008. Just after the Quaker St/Buxton St junction, there is a railway bridge usually covered with various tags and murals.
Notable street artists to look for in the Brick Lane and East London street art scene include both established names and emerging talents. Among the established artists, keep an eye out for Banksy, ROA, and Shepard Fairey, whose iconic works contribute significantly to the area's dynamic urban art landscape.
In addition to these big names, Brick Lane is well known for its continual influx of new and emerging street artists who contribute a fresh, experimental edge to the scene with varied techniques and cultural influences. The area’s frequent mural rotations and street art markets highlight both historical and current trends, making it a prime spot to discover the latest influential figures in urban art.
The tour includes several small, brightly painted broccoli sculptures attached to buildings, made by Adrian Boswell, aka Brocolli Man. Famous local artists include Jim Vision, Jimmy C, Ben Eine, Stik, Malarkey, and Mr Cenz. Space Invader tiles by Invader are a well-known example of mosaics and tiles around Brick Lane.
To experience a curated view of these popular artists and their work, guided street art tours covering Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Whitechapel often present key murals by Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and others, providing an authentic and up-to-date overview of East London's street art scene. Recommended tours include the Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour, East End Street Art Tour and Spray Painting Workshop, Half-Day Street Art Tour and Workshop, and East End London Instagrammable Street Art and Graffiti Tour.
The Brick Lane street art walking tour is a self-guided tour to discover the vibrant street art scene in East London, including stops at Fashion Street, Hanbury Street, and the former Truman Brewery. Remember, the best time to visit is when the shops are closed, revealing the hidden gems painted onto their shutters.
Whether you're a street art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and engaging experience, Brick Lane and East London offer an unparalleled exploration into the world of urban art. So, grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and immerse yourself in the colourful and ever-evolving street art scene of this vibrant neighbourhood.
- As you embark on your tour at the corner of Wentworth Street and Brick Lane, don't forget to explore Sclater Street, a hub for street art with a variety of murals and paste-ups.
- Notable street artists to watch out for in the Brick Lane and East London street art scene include both known personalities like Banksy, ROA, and Shepard Fairey, as well as emerging talents contributing a fresh, experimental edge.
- To ensure you don't miss key murals by these artists, consider joining guided street art tours that cover Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Whitechapel, such as the Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour or the East End Street Art Tour and Spray Painting Workshop.
- After visiting Graffiti Alley and exploring Cheshire Street, make sure to take a look at the large mural by Hackney-born artist Stik called The Screamers, located at the back of Grimsby St. This mural has been a part of the scene since 2008.
