I read some amazing modern day diaries; what people have been up to made in to well ordered snippets, accurate Instagram stories, recorded in to vlogs, spoken as weekly podcasts. Each a modern form of the more old school diary that I loved as a kid. I am lucky to say I get up to my fair share of fun outings; days of creative inspiration that deserve a space but never get shared due to that ever elusive lack of time.
But as I am a big believer in recording things here’s a un-ordered only partially organised ramble of what I have been up to both with work and play this last month (or so).
BROCKLEY MARKET
I continue to explore South London on my down time, walking further from my comfort zone on the advice of others and taking my time wandering between the weekly offerings. Starting with Brockley Market deli market full of fresh vegetables and cakes (Every Saturday 10am – 2pm). I particularly like their branding/illustrations by Ilyanna Kerr it’s very saucy when it comes to vegetables.
Then wandering through the houses in to Deptford for the new Deptford Bites (Every Saturday 10am – 3pm) a mix of food and makers stalls that I hope will grow around the renovated Deptford Market Yard site.
The Cloth Shop – NOTTING HILL Find
I don’t find myself in West London much as most of my work keeps me in the North or East but occasionally I venture that way for food. Like on this sunny day when I meet a friend for lunch at Pedlars which then led to a wander down the famous Portobello Road. The Cloth Shop is a little way north on the road a specialist in linens and vintage fabrics that I found and then couldn’t leave. This family run shop is not a stop to make if your light on cash or time but if you are looking for something specific, high quality and subtle this is the place.
I bought too much fabric with the excuse I will use it for client backdrops/ lifestyle photography (which I have done) but they might also just be sitting in a small pile for me to admire too.
Urban Makers East – Shop, Market … Market Shop
You’ll have seen me with Urban Makers East before; after doing some work for them last year. A curation of makers organised by two makers who offer the friendly down to earth approach. They got a spot in Shoreditch for a pop-up shop earlier this year that made a nice Valentines feature from me but then returned for their bi-annual market in Mile End.
Taking advantage of its date on Earth Day each trader offered a green brand statement explaining what they were doing inside their brand to help the planet. Recycled stationery, non toxic inks, zero waster products etc. There was also way too much sun, cake and a flash mob styled orchestra incase the rest wasn’t enough.
They appeared back in Shoreditch for a weekend pop-up market during the Royal Wedding which hopefully repeats itself on a less busy weekend.
Some new ISMAD style
A new client for 2018 that I am really enjoying working with; an old Camden face with a popular shop in Brixton specialising in Moroccan leather. ISMAD is going through some changes shaping itself up creatively to give it’s customers an even better experience.
From lots of fresh photography, revitalised brand guidelines and even some store make-overs I am getting to really delve in deep and enjoy the brand.
Introduction to CAMDEN TEA
Now if you know me you’ll know I am not a particularly avid hot beverage drinker, or at least not the British 6 brews a day that’s popular. If you want to experience something different to the norm and to be about the experience on top of a truly great flavour Camden Tea Company are worth a visit.
RIBA Architects Windows Regent Street
This was a quick fly by visit which you can still catch for a couple more days I think. My favourite is the winning Jo Malone window which was created by Thomas McBrien the architect and Zack Mclaughlin of Paper and Wood with lots of helping hands including Molu Designs Many creative hands made this paper craft installation and its nice to see craft on a main high street in London.
Picasso TATE MODERN
I had a few days of art inspiration visiting first Monet in Architecture at the National Gallery followed with an afternoon at Tate Modern for the monumental Picasso exhibition there until September. I am not normally a portrait or even abstract fan but Picasso’s work is a step in art history that had such an influence you can see so many ideas that started with his work. Here are some of my favourites.
New MONTHLY Crafty Fox
I am an avid Crafty Fox Market fan; Sinead does such a good job bringing together makers and artists that you’ll find me at nearly everyone. Here is some shots from the latest fair and newest monthly venue.
There is a new monthly market at Elephant and Castle inside Mercato Metropolitano making it the best way to spend the first Saturday of each month. And their next pop up market is their first in West London at Kindred Studiosduring their open studios weekend. Defiantly one for the diary.
The NEW RA
This was a weekend of pure celebration the Royal Academy opens not just both its doors but the connection between the two; new galleries and previously unseen areas to the public. The RA has been run & teaching artists for 250 years now and I’ll be back soon for the famous Summer Exhibition this year coordinated by Grayson Perry RA.
Urban Village Fete
This is one I have been to before and love for it’s local vibe; this is more of my South London exploring at it’s finest. Right next to the O2 between the tall flat blocks and cranes of a modern resident development Urban Village put on a summer arts festival. Across the green areas there was live art, kids creations, workshops, makers market, street food & music and of course lots of sunshine.
It also gave me a chance to swing by the NOW Gallery for their latest arts offering from Hattie Stewart which is on until the 25th June. They are also planning a large design destination here in the future so keep your eyes peeled for North Greenwich.
It’s nice to be up to date isn’t it, or to at least feel like it. Oh no wait it’s June already…
