Street art has been a familiar sight on London’s streets for decades. As with any great art, it’s divided opinion amongst tourists, locals and leaders alike. Views are often split on whether it’s a detriment or much-needed decoration to the city streets. What is certain however, is that street art is firmly here to stay.
What makes London’s street art scene so exciting is its continually evolving nature. There are new works constantly springing up in new locations. This makes a guide to finding street art in the capital rather tricky!
But fear not! There are several areas where street artists continue to congregate, protected murals and artist neighbourhoods that are fantastic for street-art spotting.
We’ve put together our top tips for finding the best street art in London. From well known names such as Stik and Banksy to anonymous artists flying under the radar – here’s some of the capital’s most exciting art and artists.
Leake Street Tunnel
This is a three-hundred metre tunnel directly underneath Waterloo station. The tunnel is entirely covered in street art – originally made famous as an artistic destination by Banksy.
In 2007, Banksy held a “festival of cans” at Leake Street Tunnel. In fantastic news for the city’s street art, it has subsequently become one of the capital’s few legal spraying locations.
Because of this, you’ll find street artists practicing at all times of the day. This means the art is constantly transforming, with a vast array of styles and experience. The tunnel’s appearance may have completely changed from morning to night! Now that’s living art…
Bonus Tip
Whilst you’re at Waterloo – why not take a short stroll to the Southbank Skate Park? This is another cultural hub, located immediately below the Southbank Centre. Also known as the Undercroft, it’s immensely popular with local graffiti artists and skateboarders. The Southbank Centre even went as far as donating the walls to any local artists.
With river views and plenty of youth culture – what’s not to love?
How to get there: Waterloo train station is incredibly central, and an easy walk from London’s Southbank Centre (why not check out an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery whilst you’re there?). If travelling by train, take your pick of Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern or Waterloo and City Lines.
Dulwich
Anyone familiar with London may find the inclusion of this affluent, leafy residential area surprising. But there’s plenty of street art to be found… if you know where to look!
The Dulwich Outdoor Gallery project took insight from masterpieces hanging in the Dulwich Picture Gallery – using these to inform and inspire street art around the area. The project was organised in conjunction with the legendary street artist Stik.
We’ve already written about Stik’s street art (including the best places all over the capital to find his works), so do take a look at this if you’re on the hunt for his iconic characters.
In good news, many of the murals associated with this project (which began in 2012) are still visible around the Borough. This inspiring city guide is a great starting place for locations to check out.
Bonus Trip
If you’re an art lover in the area – it’s worthwhile visiting the Dulwich Picture Gallery whilst you’re there! With a great permanent collection and plenty of changing exhibitions, there’s something for everyone.
How to get there: The nearest tube station to Dulwich Picture Gallery is Denmark Hill Station (about 30 minutes’ walk). It’s probably easier to get a mainline train from central London to either West Dulwich or North Dulwich however – both of which are 10-15 minutes’ walk away.
Brixton and Stockwell
These two neighbourhoods feature together – because they are so close, it’s an easy stroll between them.
Stockwell was home to “Zombi Dan” – a stencil artist who grew-up enraptured by the capital’s emerging street art scene. It’s an area that’s witnessed significant gentrification, but there are still several great spots for street art hunting (such as the streets around the Stockwell Hall of Fame).
In Brixton, explore Pop Brixton and the areas surrounding Brixton Market and Brixton Arches. Brixton is also home to a famous mural of David Bowie (located on Tunstall Road), created by Jimmy C in 2013.
How to get there: It’s best to start from Brixton station which is easily accessible from the Victoria Line. From there, enjoy strolling around the area and see where your curiosity takes you!
Whilst it’s nearly impossible to mention every London area where you can find great street art – there are a few more spots impossible to leave out...
Brick Lane – with Banksy’s 2008 mural “French Maid” still visible and street art to be found around almost every corner - it’s a great area to visit!
Battersea – as part of celebrations for the opening of two new train stations, Mr Brainwash recently contributed to a street art festival at the iconic disused power station.
Camden – it’s a well-known tourist spot, but one that’s still worth a trip. Many of the most exciting street artists (such as Nomad Clan, Trust Icon, Cranio and Captain Kris) have works around the area.
Hackney and Hackney Wick – in the midst of hip East London, these areas are fantastic for street art. Try Rivington Street and the area around Broadway market. Whilst Hackney Wick is slightly more industrial, “Fish Island” is great for spotting work by the infamous Sweet Toof.
Shoreditch – another East London neighbourhood (and arguably the home of street art in London), there’s street art everywhere in Shoreditch. You can find works by Stik, as well as ROA’s prickly hedgehog on Chance Street. There are even “street art tours” in the area – so if you’re visiting, this is a must!
To find out more about the UK street art scene, take a look at our Essential Introduction to the history and development of this inspiring genre.
The ArtMarket Gallery are proud to represent some of the UK’s leading street artists. With work from Banksy, Stik, Zombi Dan and Mr Brainwash – we specialise in matching people with artworks they love. Why not get in touch or visit us at our beautiful East Yorkshire gallery?