The Vibrant Street Art of Hackney Wick in London
Hackney Wick is one of the best street art destinations in London and is its own open-air art gallery.
Hackney Wick is a vibrant area in East London that is known for its bustling art scene and thriving community of artists and creatives.
Hackney Wick is home to some talented graffiti artists, who have transformed the streets into a canvas of colour and expression. From stunning murals to intricate street art installations, the art here is full of energy and can be a great source of inspiration.
In this article, I take a closer look at the street art scene of Hackney Wick, exploring the best spots to discover this incredible art form.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Hackney Wick and its Art Scene
Types of Street Art in Hackney Wick
Where to Find the Best Street Art in Hackney Wick
Other Things to Do in Hackney Wick
Visiting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and its Art Installations
A Brief History of Hackney Wick and its Art Scene
Hackney Wick is located in East London and has a rich history, dating back to the Victorian era when it was a hub for industry and manufacturing.
The area was home to a wide range of factories, mills and warehouses, however, by the late 20th century, many of these buildings had fallen into disrepair and were left abandoned.
The transformation of Hackney Wick into a creative hub began in the 1990s, when groups of artists started moving into the area, attracted by the cheap rents and large studio spaces. Over the years, the area has become a magnet for creatives, including painters, sculptors, musicians, writers and filmmakers.
How the art scene evolved over the years
The art scene in Hackney Wick has evolved over the years, reflecting changes in the wider art world and the local community. In the early days, the focus was on individual artists and their work, with many creating large-scale murals and graffiti pieces on the walls of buildings and warehouses. These works often explored themes such as social justice, politics and identity, and reflected the diversity of the local community.
As the area became more established as a creative hub, art collectives and galleries started to emerge, providing spaces for artists to showcase their work and engage with the public. These galleries and studios have helped to foster a sense of community and collaboration, with artists sharing ideas and resources, and working together on projects.
Important artists who contributed to the Hackney Wick art scene
Hackney Wick has been home to many important artists over the years, including the likes of Stik, a street artist known for his distinctive stick figures, and Thierry Noir, a French artist who is credited with being one of the first to paint on the Berlin Wall. Other notable artists who have contributed to the area's art scene include Sweet Toof, Mr Cenz, and Jonesy.
Types of Street Art in Hackney Wick
If you are visiting Hackney Wick for its street art scene, you will be amazed by the diverse range of art styles and techniques on display. From towering murals to intricate stencils, there is something for everyone to appreciate.
Murals are a common form of street art found in Hackney Wick. They are large, colourful paintings that cover entire buildings or walls. These murals often depict social or political issues, pop culture references, or simply showcase the artist’s skills.
Look out for the characters by Thierry Noir on the side of a building on Wallis Road.
Graffiti is another popular type of street art in Hackney Wick. It often features bold lettering, intricate designs, and vibrant colours. Many of the graffiti pieces in Hackney Wick are created by artists who have been active in the area for years.
Check out the colourful and detailed graffiti pieces by artist Sweet Toof, who is known for his signature skull and teeth motif.
Another great piece to look out for is ‘Rocksteady the Blue Colossus’ by Teddy Baden.
Stencils are also prevalent in Hackney Wick's street art scene. These are created by cutting out a design from a piece of card or plastic and then spraying paint over the stencil onto the wall. Stencils can be intricate, and many of the artists who create them use them to convey social or political messages.
Hackney Wick’s street art scene is a diverse and vibrant mix of styles and techniques. Take your time to explore the area and appreciate the different types of street art on display.
Where to Find the Best Street Art in Hackney Wick
If you're planning to visit Hackney Wick to see some of the amazing street art on offer, you'll want to know where to go to find the best pieces. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to explore.
White Post Lane is a great place to start, with plenty of walls and buildings covered in striking murals and graffiti. The Lord Napier pub and Hub67 community centre are also worth checking out for their impressive art, as is the colourful Crate Brewery with its vibrant mural-covered exterior.
Don't miss out on exploring the various backstreets and alleys of Hackney Wick, where you're sure to stumble upon some hidden street art treasures.
I have set out below a suggested walking tour to help you plan your visit:
Street Art Walking Tour:
To begin your street art tour of Hackney Wick, exit Hackney Wick Station and head right down White Post Lane towards the Lord Napier pub.
Then turn right at the Lord Napier pub and head along Wallis Road towards Prince Edward Road. You will find various artworks along Prince Edward Road.
Then head back to Wallis Road and head towards the canal. Along Wallis Road, you will see the large characters by Thierry Noir (see an image of his work earlier in this article). You will soon reach a small commercial area alongside the canal, where all the units have large-scale and impressive murals.
At this location you will find East Art Gallery, an art gallery that hosts solo and group shows, print workshops and other events. They also sell signed Limited Editions, one-offs, Original pieces and exclusive artworks.
From Wallis Road, cross the bridge over the canal and follow the towpath in a southerly direction. You will see graffiti and murals all along its length.
You will pass the Crate Brewery, which displays characterful illustrations. This is a good location for a relaxing drink!
From this location, keeping following the canal as far as Stour Road Bridge, near the London Stadium and cross back over the canal.
From Stour Road Bridge follow the roads, and canal path back towards Crate Brewery.
Here you will pass Preeti Patty on Beachy Road, an Asian fusion takeaway, with burgers, rice boxes and burritos.
You will also pass Two More Years, a bar restaurant that often has live music in the evenings.
As you follow the roads and canal path back towards Crate Brewery and Hackney Wick Station, you will spot the graffiti and murals along the way.
For a longer walk you could continue further along the canal in a southerly direction to Old Ford Lock and walk towards Trego Road, before turning and heading back to Crate Brewery.
You will find street art everywhere you look. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming artists who use these areas to practice their craft.
Street art is a transient form of artistic expression, so the pieces you see may not be the same as those in this post. Nevertheless, street art is here to stay in Hackney Wick, and there will always be plenty of new and exciting works to discover.
Other Things to Do in Hackney Wick
Aside from the vibrant street art scene, Hackney Wick offers a range of activities and places to explore. Here are some must-visit spots that are worth checking out:
Hub67: Located on White Post Lane, this community centre is a hub for local artists and creatives. It often hosts exhibitions and events that showcase the works of emerging artists, making it a great place to discover new talent and network with like-minded individuals.
The Crate Brewery: Beer enthusiasts will love this popular brewery, which offers a vast selection of craft beers and ales. The interior is also adorned with stunning street art murals, providing the perfect backdrop for a chilled-out afternoon with friends.
Lord Napier Pub: For a taste of traditional British pub culture, head to the Lord Napier Pub on White Post Lane. With its friendly atmosphere and range of local ales, it's a popular pub for locals and visitors alike.
Canal activities: The canal that runs through Hackney Wick offers a range of activities, including paddle boarding and canoeing. It's a great way to explore the area. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the canal towpath and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this vibrant and creative neighbourhood.
Visiting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and its Art Installations
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is another fantastic destination that is just a short walk from Hackney Wick.
Just cross one of the canal bridges and head east into the park. The London Stadium is a prominent landmark in the landscape. If approaching the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from White Post Lane, then turn left along Clarnico Lane after the canal.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offers visitors the chance to explore many new art installations and sculptures that are embedded into the landscape.
The most famous installation is the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a distinctive red steel tower designed by artist Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond. It stands at a height of 114.5 metres (376 feet) and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a lift or climb the stairs to reach the viewing platform, where they can enjoy stunning vistas of London’s skyline.
The structure features a looping slide, known unsurprisingly as “The Slide”, which is the world's longest and tallest tunnel slide. It provides an exhilarating ride as visitors spiral around the tower and descend to the ground. It is also possible to absail from the top.
The park is home to other sculptures, statues, and interesting art installations. Some of the notable installations include “The Cost of Your Words” by Fabio Lattanzi Antinori, “SINCE 9/11” WTC Artwork, and “The Pixel Wall” by Tomato.
Additionally, a series of public artworks called “Getting There” by Kirsty Kerr, Erin Aniker, Hannah Ceren, and Cherelle Sappleton were recently installed in the park.
Following the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park art trail could be combined with a waking tour of Hackney Wick. There is an intriguing contrast between the industrial landscape of Hackney Wick with the new landscaped spaces of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
In addition to the art installations, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will soon be home to the V&A East Museum, set to open in 2025. The museum is part of the Victoria & Albert Museum and will celebrate global creativity, showcasing some of the most innovative and exciting works from around the world. With a focus on East London’s heritage, the museum will be an exciting addition to the cultural landscape of the area.
My Final Thought on Hackney Wick
Hackney Wick is one of the best locations in London, alongside Shoreditch and Camden, to explore street art. It provides a unique and engaging experience that combines art, history, and culture. From the vibrant murals and graffiti to the stunning sculptures and installations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
And with the various community events and exhibitions held at Hub67, there is always something new to discover and explore in this dynamic and creative neighbourhood.
So why not take a walk along the canal, grab a craft beer at the Crate Brewery, and immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Hackney Wick?
I hope you have found this information about street art in Hackney Wick interesting. If you have visited this area, I would love to hear your thoughts, please email me and let me know at [email protected].
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