Where to find the best street art in London
Street art has long been known for its unrelenting expression, challenging others to challenge their thoughts, political views, concerns and emotions. London has some of the greatest street art in the world, leading the way in challenging the ideas on what we see art to be. With some of the best street artists gifting their art to the city, and even more flocking to London to leave their mark on the capital. Here are some of our favourite locations keeping the street art movement alive in London.
Leake Street Arches
Image: MTotoe
Leake Street Arches is 300 metres of ever-changing graffiti artwork, located underneath Waterloo Station. One of the most famous locations for graffiti artwork in London, the tunnel was first made famous in 2008 by Banksy when he launched his festival of Cans. The festival invited members of the public to turn the tunnel into an art exhibition. Leake Street Tunnel is now a place where anyone and everyone can create great artwork legally. When visiting the tunnel you may see several artists at work creating the amazing art you see on the walls. It takes some artists hours or days to create some of the art you see! The tunnel is also home to some great independent restaurants and interesting pop-ups events.
Nearest Stations: Waterloo Station
Shoreditch
Image: MTotoe
Street art in its masses started appearing in Shoreditch in the 2000s, it has now become the home of London street art, you will find street art on almost every street and artists such as Banksy, Pure Evil, Sweet Toof, ROA, Brek Le Rat and D*Face have all graced the streets with their art. Street art you will find in Shoreditch is ever-changing yet stays relevant to current events happening in the world, from making touching tributes to Grenfell Tower, to murals of Prince and Trayvon Martin. You can join a Shoreditch street art tour to discover the best of the ever-changing graffiti, where you will be shown the best of Shoreditch’s street art including Banksy’s ‘Guard Dog’ and ‘His Masters Voice’ on Rivington Street. One of our favourite pieces you will see in Shoreditch is the caption on Great Eastern Street: ‘Let's Adore and Endure Each Other’. No truer words.
Be sure to check out Brick Lane, known to be the centre of the street art movement, you will see a whole host of street art in and amongst vintage stores, bookshops and cafes with the best bagels in London! Drop by Monty’s bar, a bar known for its great artwork and feel good vibes.
Known streets with artwork:
Brick Lane, Rivington Street, Holywell Lane, Leonard Street, Ravey Street, Great Eastern Street, Redchurch Street
Nearest station:
Shoreditch High Street Station , Old Street Tube Station
Camden
Image: MTotoe
Camden is not only popular for its vibrant market, food and bars; it also has a thriving street art scene. You will find a range of differing artwork in Camden, including murals of former resident Amy Winehouse, politically charged statements to the great ‘Camden Lock’ sign. Artists such as Bambi, Icarus and Pegasus, have left their mark on Camden.
Known streets with artwork:
Jamestown Road, Camden Road, Hawley Mews, Hartley Road
Nearest Station:
Camden Town Tube Station
Brixton
Image: David Preston
Brixton has been sporting artwork since the 80s. The street art that features in Brixton pays tribute to its rich culture, famous former residents and expressions on current issues. Look out for favourites, murals of ‘Brixton’s Boy’ David Bowie’s by artist Jimmy C and A Michelle Obama by Dreph.
Known streets with artwork:
Tunstall Road, Dorrell Place, Electric Lane, Beehive Place, Atlantic Road, Stockwell Avenue.
Nearest station:
Brixton Station
Hackney Wick
Image: Toa Heftiba
Hackney Wick is thought to be locations were several graffiti artists sample their new pieces. Head to ‘Fish Island’, along the canal where you’ll find artwork by the likes of Bailon, 616, Pang and Sweet Toof. Hackney Wick is being dubbed the ‘New Shoreditch’. Big shoes to fill, lets watch this space.
Known streets with artwork:
Fish Island (Bream Street, Dace Road, Smeed Road, Stour Road), Wallis Road
Nearest station:
Hackney Wick Station
Dulwich
Image: Oliver Cole
The growth in street art in Dulwich began in 2012 by artist stik, who in partnership with Ingrid Beazley of the Dulwich Picture Gallery recreated some of their artwork on the streets of Dulwich. Streets artists such as such ROA, Remi Rough and MadC, have left their mark on Dulwich, forming the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery. Artwork created by the street artists was based on Baroque era paintings in the permanent collection at Dulwich Picture Gallery. A walk from Peckham Rye station through to East Dulwich and West Dulwich will give you good view of the artworks in Dulwich.
Known streets with artwork:
Choumert Road
Nearest station:
Peckham Rye Station, East Dulwich and West Dulwich Station
