Following on from a previous post I thought I’d update you on some further artwork that I came across in East London.

James Cochran is the latest graffiti artist to have his work on display in Whitby Street. Judging by how many tags and variations of Instagram photos I have seen I would say that it has been a hit among locals and tourists. Cochran has managed to create both a soft and hard focus using a drip painting style, which allows the object of the piece to really jump out at you. The more angles you view it from the more detail becomes apparent.

A great site to check out if you are passing through Shoreditch.

London is heaving with coffee shops. From Pret A Manger to Starbucks to Costa, you can’t turn a street corner without seeing one. But growing alongside these huge chains are the more trendy shops, the type that don’t have to scream out for your attention and showcase an unappealing lengthy queue. As popular as the huge chains are, I feel that they often lack character and the coffee doesn’t impress as much as you’d hope.

Whilst walking through Bishopsgate and Spitalfields Market, I came across a chain that I had never heard of before - Department of Coffee and Social Affairs. Both shops were unique had completely different layouts and interiors; Bishopsgate was light and open with windows and an organised seating area, whereas the Spitalfields shop kept with the market theme and was set in a small corner comprising of open brickwork and just a few benches to share with other customers.

Whilst being a little on the expensive side, you get to choose which coffee beans you would like for your brew and the staff make your visit really enjoyable. I think Department of Coffee and Social Affairs should be the place you visit next to give you your morning coffee hit.

For more information and locations, click here.

Our latest artist Jillian Eldridge who is currently exhibiting work at our Project Space in Shoreditch, will be holding a coffee and pastry event this Sunday 3rd August. Jillian is currently showcasing her beautiful paintings in our gallery, and it is a fantastic opportunity to meet her and discuss the artwork. It’s free entry and open between 11am and 1pm.

To find out more about Jillian’s work, visit her website www.jillianeldridge.co.uk

Over the bank holiday weekend, Nomadic Community Gardens opened at our site Fleet St Hill. They intend to use the space in the meanwhile before we develop it, to use as a community garden and art’s space. They have pioneered the concept of ‘transportable’ gardens using vegetable beds on pallets that can be moved.

The site is flanked by two railway lines meaning it is not only a sun trap for plants but it has a continuous wall that will become one of the longest street art galleries in East London if not the U.K itself.

Bank holiday weekend they had their opening event, inviting visitors to the site to watch live street art. In two days the entire wall space was covered by artists from all over the world including Cromeo from Brazil and many more.

The guys are now preparing the ground and building the garden so if you want to get your hands dirty and be a part of a great project find out more @fb- Nomadic Community Gardens or their website www.1lovecommunty.org.uk. Alternatively just turn up, during the day and meet the boys face to face, feet placed firmly in the soil.