The 7 Best Areas To Find Graffiti And Street Art In London

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Graffiti is a form of contemporary art that is written, painted, or drawn on a wall or surface. Graffiti is usually displayed in public areas, created at night or when people aren’t around due to its forbidden nature. For many people, graffiti takes a political stance, reiterating the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the world of art.

 

What is the difference between Graffiti and Street art? 

By definition, graffiti and street art are not the same thing, the main difference being whether permission has been granted for its go-ahead. Many street artists draw their inspiration from graffiti, however, graffiti itself is defined by words and or images written in public places. Street art on the other hand, can be considered a mural and is created for the sole purpose of visual public viewing. 

 

 

Where does Graffiti come from? 

Although contemporary graffiti is quite a recent development, historians have found examples of it in Caves and older civilisations, such as ancient Rome and Greece – where people would write poems and their names on walls in protest. Modern graffiti first appeared during the early 1960s in Philadelphia, and by the 70s graffiti had started to spread far and wide.

 

However, it was in New York where graffiti had found a home and really started to make its mark. As street gangs began to tag buildings to mark their territory, the term graffiti that we know today was subsequently coined by the New York Times. Since then, graffiti could be found all over the city, masking trains and public property, which is where the war on its existence began.

 

In its origins, graffiti became a way to publicly display artistic expression and voice the opinions of those ignored. It is able to take many political stances, some as a response to the lack of access to art institutions and others as a voice for those facing discrimination and abuse, amidst the struggle of living in their communities.

 

 

Best locations for street art and graffiti in London

 

1. Shoreditch 

Shoreditch is one of the greatest homes for street art in the country, the capital’s centre of a vibrant art scene that attracts graffiti and street artists from all over, and although confusing at times to navigate, it’s a great spot to see some really special pieces. Chance Street, which is just opposite Shoreditch High Street station is where you can see some of the biggest murals in the city, a destination you must visit if graffiti is your thing. 

 

 

2. Brick Lane

Brick Lane may just be the place to be when it comes to the London street art scene. Over the years this area has changed and developed significantly, but the fundamentals still remain. Being a hipster hot spot it makes sense that Brick Lane is home to some of the most brilliant works in the city, so if you’re around the area, here are a few specific sites to visit: The Truman Brewery, Hanbury Street, Cheshire Street, and the Nomadic Community Gardens.

 

 

 

3. Camden

In Camden, it’s normal for street art to come and go, but there are areas where art is permanent – such as iconic buildings and storefronts, but otherwise, graffiti art can be seen very easily wherever you go. From Camden Lock to Hemwood Street, to the huge mural on the Ferdinand Estate; art is everywhere. If you walk between the Camden, Chalk Farm, and Mornington Crescent stations – which are all in a straight line – you will be able to see a large amount of street art in a relatively short distance.

 

4. Walthamstow

Over the last few years, Walthamstow has developed a thriving art scene as the area has undergone a number of changes. Whilst the art is more dispersed than in our previous examples, it still hosts a bustling scene of shops and culture. The areas around Wood, Hoe, and St James Street are particularly good spots to explore as new developments and spaces for street art open up all the time.

 

 

 

5. Hackney Wick

People often talk about Hackney Wick as the hub for artists in London, and yes, whilst the area has a bustling artistic population there is more to this area than meets the eye. Graffiti is in every corner of the wick; from the lock by the Hertford Union Canal to the area around the Crate Brewery, Bream Street and the Hackney Wick station. You will find plenty of graffiti and street art to constantly inspire you.

 

6. Dulwich

Dulwich is known for its positive take on street art, this is partially due to The Dulwich Outdoor Gallery, a 2-hour walk that starts at Peckham Rye Station and takes you through East Dulwich to end in West Dulwich. The idea was created by the late Ingrid Beazley, who worked with Stik and Street Art London to establish the gallery amongst the local art scene. The project was finished in 2017 and has continued to grow successfully with contributions from respected artists, earning Dulwich a place on a list of recommendations.

 

 

 

7. Leake Street Tunnel 

Hidden under Waterloo Station is the London Graffiti Tunnel, a permanent fixture where street artists can come and create freely. Considered to be a street artist’s haven, the tunnel is a five-minute walk from the main station exit, so it’s a very conveniently placed attraction for all graffiti lovers. Whilst considered a hidden gem, the tunnel is in one of the busiest areas in London – but its beauty is often overlooked by those wanting to see the Southbank and tourist sites. There are also specific tours available for those who want to explore the tunnel in more detail.

 

 

 

Is Graffiti an Art Form or a Crime? 

In most countries, the UK included; the expression of graffiti is illegal and considered to be vandalism. In England and Wales, graffiti is considered an act of criminal damage and offenders can be punished with an unlimited fine.

 

Many have the stance that graffiti is nothing more than vandalism and should not be allowed. The consequences of said graffiti could result in destroying public property and harming our environment. Whereas others consider graffiti to be a symbol of artistic rebellion; not the anti-social crime that is perpetuated by society. In fact, many artists strive for graffiti to be legal in London especially, as it’s known to greatly enrich areas with value and culture, like in Shoreditch for example. 

 

In between these two opinions is the one that graffiti is a valuable art. This has led to many people being infuriated over the removal of better known and beloved pieces to be sold for auction. Removing tourism from their non-central areas has a negative effect on the local culture and history, especially when you’re taking away the accessibility that public art like graffiti once had. 

 

Whilst views on this topic lean either way, it’s important to say that your views as an artist are your own to determine.

 

The Takeaway 

 

As beautiful graffiti and street art can pop up anywhere. Some of the best pieces may still be unknown to us and yet to be discovered, which brings about the importance of making your own discoveries, both locally and further afield. 

You may be a strong graffiti advocate, but not everyone sees the beauty in tags or understands the desire to put a mural on the side of the building. This is what creates great conversations and opinions but at the same time, do your best to respect the art of others and their valid views.

 

WHAT GRAFFITI HUBS DO YOU RECOMMEND VISITING? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.

Don’t forget you can always share your art with us! Become the next Artist of The Month or tag us on Instagram @darkyellowdot.

 

Thank you for reading and if you found this article useful, share it around, that makes us happy. To receive updates and more posts like this just join our mailing list, everyone is welcome.

 

WANT MORE?

 

ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT:

5 Inspiring Must-See Art Documentaries

The 9 Best Art Markers For Professional Artists

This Caribbean Artist Is Hiding Free Art Around The City

 

SITES TO CHECK OUT:

London Banksy Girl and Balloon mural to be removed | BBC News

Is graffiti art or vandalism? | Vans

Is graffiti art? Or vandalism? | Kelly Wall

 

COURSES TO CHECK OUT:

Graffiti Lettering 101: Sketching Your First Piece

Paint a Mural! Interior wall art using brush and spray paints

Easy Spray Painting: Creating Breath taking Landscapes

 

 

 

Image Credits:

1 – John Dancy/ UnSplash
2 – InspiringCity.com/ Where to find street art on Brick Lane
3 – Hert Niks/ UnSplash
4 – InspiringCity.com/ ATM talks about Mural on Coppermill Lane
5 – RomanRoadLondon.com/ Saving Hackney Wick Street Art
6 – Dulwich Outdoor Gallery
7 – Leake Street Arches