Top 10 street artworks around Hackney and Islington
As the Snorting Copper Banksy piece is rediscovered after devastating vandalism, we’ve taken a look at North and East London’s very best examples of street art.
The painting was found by developers on a disused public toilet in Shoreditch and depicts a policeman on his knees snorting cocaine. Despite being valued at £1.25m, it’s being restored and will be returned to its original site.
We’ve been pounding the local streets a lot lately, negotiating discounts at the best shops, restaurants and cafes, and we’ve spotted some great street art along the way. Here’s our top 10 favourites:
1. Holloway Road, Harry’s Girl. Created by anonymous street artist Pegasus (all we know is he was born in the US but lives in North London). This brilliant image of Prince Harry’s girlfriend Megan Markle with two Queen’s Guards is fabulous, particularly as we’re big Suits fans!
2. Brick Lane. Created by London-based artist Neequaye Dreph, this stunning image is of musician Sensei Saie. Dreph’s murals are a tribute to living unsung heroes and heroines.
3. Hanbury Street, London. This image of a Papua New Guinea tribesman was created by Lancashire-born Dale Grimshaw. He studied art at university and, in addition to a successful gallery career, has been devoting more time to street murals. This tribal portrait is typical of his work.
4. Toynbee Street – this is home to numerous pieces of street art but this beautiful and detailed woman by street artist Flame is our favourite.
5. Stoke Newington Church Street (next to Search & Rescue). Banksy art depicting the royal family waving from a balcony. It was used as the cover of Blur’s 2003 hit Crazy Beat. It was partly painted over by Hackney Council eight years after it was created.
6. Cross Street, Islington: Lie Lie Land by street artist Bambi. This brilliant image of Theresa May waltzing with Donald Trump went viral.
7. Hanbury Street, near Brick Lane. This crane by world-famous Ghent artist Roa, is typical of his giant black and white animal street art. His work can be found on semi-derelict buildings in cities worldwide.
8. Dalston Lane: The Hackney Peace Carnival Mural was completed in 1985 during the Cold War and depicts a group of people marching for peace.
9. Princelet Street. Created by global artist Stik, this striking picture on a pair of bright red shutter doors represents London’s diverse culture.
10. Sandbrook Road, Stoke Newington. This fox image by Stewy is in various spots around Stoke Newington. It’s sold as a print all over town and has become an icon for the area.
