Bored of expensive and uninspiring tours? Think tours are
just for tourists? Forget about
the open top busses and the droning guides shoving through crowds. What if a
tour could give you an insight into today’s real London, giving you the
opportunity to discover the East End’s most incredible street art with the help
of an enthusiastic local artist.
Alternative London offers a pay what you like walking tours
around the East End, this tour is a really different yet affordable way to experience
London.
My guide, local street artist Ben Slow, was fantastic-
friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to explain the origins or street
art as well as how the pieces were created and the types of techniques used. I
was surprised to learn that the street art does not stay up for long, after a
few months new artist come in and paint over the preexisting artwork since
there is a shortage of wall space. Another interesting fact that I learned is
that most of the street art is actually done legally. The artists get permission
not from the local authorities but from the property owners themselves. The
local community is united on the art front and recognizes its importance in
keeping the East End unique by combating gentrification, which is sweeping the
rest of London at a brisk pace.
Here’s a little taste of Alternative London:
-AMV
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