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CAMDEN, NO1
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@NOTBANKSYFORUM
OF THE BEST CAMDEN STREET STYLE LOOKS
TALKS STREET ART
TRAVEL
PHOTOGRAPHY
CULTURE
FASHION
ART
PHOTOGRAPHY CAMDENMARKET.COM WORDS BY WHOEVER.BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHOEVER
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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Editor’s
LETTER
W
e hatched the idea for Vivid magazine whilst sat on the underground, talking about future holidays and travelling. We were eager to create a magazine that included all our passions: photography, exploration, culture and fashion. We wanted to create an outlet that people enjoy reading on their commute or whenever they have a spare few minutes.
Here at Vivid we do all the leg work for you. As a team we have collected all the best bits about Camden and tailored it for you. Not only do we love exploring but we are all specialists within our fields. The whole team is compiled of qualified journalists, articulate, inquisitive and perfectionists. Keen to incorporate social media into Vivid, this issue we have collected the best Instagram photos, a London bloggers guide to Camden and a YouTubers guide on what she’d wear and bring on a trip there. We also collaborate with aspiring and established artists, writing contributors and bloggers. Want to find out more about us? Check out our website at www.vividmagazine.com.
Thank you for purchasing Vivid, come explore with us x
Annabelle Wells Editor Art Director Feature Writer
Georgia Leon Photographer Feature Writer
vividmagazine
@vividmag
Hollie Ingram Sub-Editor Sub-Art Director Feature Writer
vividmaguk
Natasha Noel Features Editor Photo Editor
vividsnap
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CONTENTS
THE GOOD | THE BAD | THE BEAUTIFUL
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THE FIRST HAND CAMDEN EXPERIENCE
Camden through the eyes of one of our team.
VISIT, EAT, STAY
The best places to visit, eat and stay that Camden has to offer.
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BLOGGER A run down of the area and daily adventures by blogger Vicky Carter.
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CAMDEN HERITAGE
Where did the Camden we know sprout from?
TATTOOED TOWN Camden and tattoo culture.
#CAMDEN
All the best #camden Insta pics brought to you in one place.
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CAUSING A SCENE
An inside peak into street art and the artists behind it.
ESCAPADE ESSENTIALS
How to style out a trip to Camden with the help of vlogger Phoebe Slee.
ONE OFF SHOPS Shops you just can’t risk missing out on.
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CAMDEN STREET STYLE TRIBE A collection of the best street style looks in Camden.
POSTER
Cut this out and let it adorn your bedroom wall.
ILLUSTRATION
Embrace your creative side and colour in this illustration by one of our team.
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WINEHOUSE
A look into the life of the Queen of Camden Town.
CAMDEN, CARNAGE AND CULTURE
The history of the iconic Camden music scene.
MAP
This isn’t just your normal map. Take a look.
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THE FIRST HAND CAMDEN EXPERIENCE From quaint market stalls to trendy boozers, Camden is a haven for hidden gems that don’t quite catch the light. In a town known for it’s vibrant and creative culture it’s not difficult to see why i call it one of my favourite places of all time.
C
amden town screams quirkiness. From elaborate graffiti, to stores covered in statues of angels and dragons. This area of London is without a doubt a real feast for the eyes. It buzzes with the voices of intrigued tourists who want to grab themselves a piece of iconic culture from the market stalls that gave Camden it’s name. When I stepped off the tube I was greeted by a familiar sight that I can only describe using three words. Old, busy and beautiful. You can still feel the punk roots in the atmosphere and with Evil from The Needle sitting happily on the high street 30 years on, the strong 80’s vibe is almost impossible to ignore. The authenticity of the town continues through the live music scene, and as spring has started to make an appearance the canal banks are always teeming with eager visitors who have found the perfect spot to soak up the bitter but invigorating sun. I myself am a sucker for a pint, especially if it involves a view of historic scenery and having a cheeky cigarette or two. When you’re a country girl born and bred there is no better place to escape to than the city. Hours pass by like minutes in the concrete jungle, side streets reveal hidden gems and quirky cafes lurk around every corner. It’s no wonder that the likes of Ronnie Corbett and Amy Winehouse decided that they wanted to call Camden ‘home’. On the topic of the late singer, this was the first time that I had seen the bronze statue of her that is located in The Stables Market. It is honestly beautiful, the designers did an amazing job of making 6
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the memorial look life-like and true to size. Walking through the 200 year old stables reminded me why it is that I love Camden so much. The area is populated not only by colourful restaurants and stalls, but by the most amazing collection of huge bronze horse sculptures and wall friezes.
From the colourful characters on the streets to the friendly faces behind the market stalls, everyone in Camden seems to emit this sense of community making you feel like you’re never on your own. After consuming one too many of my cronuts I grabbed a coffee, sat by the lock and just watched the world go by for a little bit. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in such a chaotic part of London so taking some time out to write in my diary and reflect on my trip was well needed and took me away from the hustle and bustle of what was about to be rush hour. I like to call between 5pm and 7pm ‘The human stampede’. It doesn’t matter where about in London you are between these times, you are just surrounded by almost zombie-like people headed for the underground after their day of making a living. It’s quite an extraordinary thing when you’re an outsider, but for them this is just a part of life.
Wandering about the markets usually comes to an abrupt end when the word ‘food’ is mentioned, but deciding where to grab lunch from is always the tricky part. The Grand Union bar has become somewhat of a stomping ground for me, I can only count on one hand the amount of times I’ve visited London and not stopped off at this effortlessly trendy boozer. Usually I’d make an appearance mid-evening, when the place is buzzing with people from all walks of life, however this time I enjoyed a bite to eat just before 1 o’clock and chilled out in the fashionable, relaxed diner. There really is just something about the place that makes me want to go back for more.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA NOEL
It’s no wonder“ that the likes of Ronnie Corbett and Amy Winehouse decided that they wanted to call Camden ‘home’.
Also on my list of places to visit was the forever popular cronut stand. With it’s classic white and red bunting, rustic feel and shelves packed to almost bursting point with sugary goodness, I couldn’t fight the temptation to pick up a couple. If you’ve never had or heard of a cronut, it’s the hybrid of a doughnut and a croissant and I have never tasted anything like it before. After at least ten minutes of deliberation I eventually left the stand with a ‘Coffee Glazed’, ‘Stuffed Bavarian Cream’ and a ‘Dark Choc & Rasp’. Best decision ever, and I didn’t even mind that my already too tight skinny jeans were almost bursting at the seams afterwards. Who doesn’t love a bit of people watching? I know that I do.
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It’s always sad leaving London because I’m never quite sure of when I’ll be back. What I am sure of though is the coach always seems quieter than on the way, maybe it’s because I’d adjusted myself to the buzz of the city, it’s almost eerie. The long trip back home is always perfect for flicking through the snaps taken throughout the day and I’ve got to admit it’s one of my favourite parts. Every photo is filled with colour, life and the culture that is deep within Camden Town. It’s one of those places that you have to experience for yourself and definitely a place to add to the bucket list if you haven’t been yet already. It’s somewhere that strangely makes you feel at home and connected to people you’ve never seen in your life. I think that’s one of the great joys of Camden, it has a huge sense of community and I don’t think that will ever disappear.
FUN FACTS • The first buildings were little more than one and a half story’s high. But with the development of the nearby railway, two and three story brick buildings were built, leaving us with what is now, some of the best industrial stabling left in England. • Red Dead and Body Shop both started out as stalls in Camden Market. • The streets of Camden act as contemporary art galleries covered in portraits of the famous such as John Lennon and Amy Winehouse. • Camden has inspired many film makers and writers. The Cleveland Street Workhouse is said to be the most likely location of the workhouse in the famous ‘Please sir, may I have some more?’ scene from Oliver Twist. • The British Library in Camden holds two out of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. • 120 languages are spoken in Camden schools including Bengali, Albanian and Arabic.
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n
o.1 guide to camden town
Camden town is a melting pot of quirky and eclectic personalities and culture. Being one of London’s most popular places, there’s always something new to do. Here’s our guide to the hottest spots in town. CHABOBA
CEREAL KILLER CAFE
East Yard, Camden Lock Place London, NW1 8AF
Stables Market, Mezz 2, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH
Here you’ll be able to try all of the colourful, iconic cereals you always see in American films (e.g. Lucky Charms) amongst masses of other cereals you probably never even dreamed existed from all over the world. Themed with memorabilia from the 80’s and 90’s it brings a nostalgic feeling that you’ll never want to let go of. This cereal killer café is seriously killer and an ultimate go-to place in Camden.
The witty name is not the only great thing about this unconventional café. Cereal Killer Café offers more than 120 international different brands of cereal, 30 types of milk and 20 different toppings. In this café your breakfast feast never ends. 8
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YOU CAN’T VISIT CAMDEN WITHOUT TAKING A MOMENT TO EXPERIENCE THE MOUTH WATERINGLY DELICIOUS ARRAY OF FOODS IT HAS TO OFFER.
If you’ve never tried Chaboba’s trendy bubble tea then you’re really missing out and with only 2 other stores in the UK, Camden is the perfect place to try out something as curious as bubble tea. Chaboba is chinese and literally translates to ‘tea tapioca pearls’, it’s the tapioca pearls which gives it the bubble effect. Buying this drink is more than just quenching your thirst but a whole experience in itself.
Chaboba has special equipment imported from Taiwan which is where the tea originated from giving the store an authentic and fascinating experience watching the bubble tea being made.
WORDS BY GEORGIA LEON
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CAMDEN ART CENTRE
CYBERDOG
Wherever you wander in Camden you’ll experience some form of art. Whether it be the breathtaking graffiti scattered across the walls on every corner or the artistically laid out shop fronts adorned in bright colours. However, if you fancy viewing artists work from both local and international artists then Camden Arts Centre is the place for you. The Centre is renowned for its world-class contemporary art exhibitions and education.
With two giant robots guarding the doors CyberDog, before you’ve even walked into the store you know that it’s a store not quite like others, perfectly fitting the zany, vibrant atmosphere of Camden. Wonder what the future may be like? Well step into this futurist store and you’ll no longer have to wonder.
WORDS BY ANNABELE WELLS AND GEORGIA LEON
Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG
Not only can you drift round the fabulous gallery, café and gardens for free but you can also take part in the many activities they constantly provide such as film screenings, live art performances and lessons in ceramics, drawing and painting many of which are starting from May onwards so reserve your slot before it’s too late!
45 - 46 Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd London NW1 8AH
VISIT CAMDEN IS HOME TO AN ARRAY OF ECLECTIC PLACES OF INTEREST AND WE’VE LISTED THE MOST MIND BOGGLING, ALLURING AND ENTERTAINING FOR YOU.
The innovative store has been around for more than 20 years catering specially to the quirky community of clubbers and neon lovers. Techno beats fill the stores 3 floors which are brimming with clothes, makeup and accessories for both adults and kids and if you’re feeling risque you can venture down to the basement where they sell items that would even shock Christian Grey. Even if Cyberdog isn’t really your style the experience alone will be one not to forget.
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ST CHRISTOPHERS INN
YORK AND ALBANY
48-50 Camden High St, London, NW1 0LT
127-129 Parkway, London, NW1 7PS
The stunning regency townhouse that is the York & Albany is the hotel to stay if you’re looking for a lavish weekend away. With interiors designed by the renowned Russell Sage Studios and a Gordon Ramsey restaurant on the ground floor you’ll truly be living in the lap of luxury. Overlooking Regents Park and just a stones through away from Camden Market you couldn’t ask for more.
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WE’VE FOUND THE BEST PLACES FOR YOU STAY FROM BUDGET TO HIGH-END WHEN YOUR DAY OF EXPLORING IS OVER AND YOU NEED SOMEWHERE TO RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES.
WORDS BY ANNABELLE WELLS
With a wine bar full of both home-grown and international wines, a restaurant serving the most delicious food and ornately designed rooms full of the quaintest antiques it’s a feast for both your stomach and eyes. Boasting a DVD library, free WiFi, flatscreen TV and a selection of books and magazines amongst many other perks each room has you’ll never want to leave. They even have an enchanting wine terrace adorned in fairy lights and flowers especially for those heavenly summer months where you want to do nothing but kick back, relax and take in the summery vibes. Although it’s slightly pricey with double rooms averaging on £130 a night it’s the perfect place to go for a romantic weekend away or a birthday treat.
STAY
St Christophers Inn is the place to stay if you want to be surrounded by the biggest mix of people from travellers to locals. If you love a good discount you’ll be over the moon to know if you stay at St Christophers you get 25% off food and 2-4-1 drink special at Belushi’s Bar and restaurant which is right below the hostel. You’ll even get a complimentary breakfast and free walking tours of Camden!
With free WiFi, freshly made beds, heating, hot showers and a chill out room, St Christophers welcoming atmosphere will make you re-evalute your previously not so favourable opinion of hostels. If it’s your first time in a hostel and you’re feeling unsure they even offer female only units and every room is kitted out with electronic key security and secure locker storage. Just a 6-minute walk to Camden Market so you won’t have too use much energy after a wild night in Belushi’s with the locals and travellers alike and 0.8 miles from London Zoo. Being just moments away from the hustle and bustle of Londons creative hub, St Christophers Inn is the perfect place to stay if you’re on a budget and want to be engulfed by the incredible atmosphere, culture and people Camden has to offer.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BLOGGER Wake up depending on what time I went to sleep.
Even wondering through the food market is an experience.
Honest Burgers is my go-to for lunch.
Travel blogger and Camden resident Vicky Carter has given us the low-down on her daily ventures how to experience Camden like a local. Action Plan: When we asked Vicky how her day starts, she said the time she set her alarm is dictated by the time she went to sleep, it’s all go for a blogger! Either way it would have to be a fairly early start to cram everything in. Vicky’s favourite time of the day is night time purely for the atmosphere. She enjoys exploring the cobbled stone streets for upcoming artists - the best place to find new talent in her opinion is at the Jazz Café or in Dingwalls. The Essentials: Venturing around Camden you have to be fully equipped, “comfy trainers are a must when walking along the Regents Canal to The British Library.” Tissues is also a must, you need to clean up after eating all the freebies from the food market. The Go To Restaurant: “Hands down, Honest Burgers.” It’s tucked 12
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away by the food market, but definitely one worth seeking out. According to Vicky it’s a little rough around the edges but their main focus is “tasty meat packages full of flavour” stating her usual order is “the original” as it’s packed full of flavour and the taste is unmissable. Shop Till You Drop: Vicky said that many of the stalls sell the same thing in Camden Market now to “try make a quick sale from the number of tourists that persue around the markets”. However, she does recommend visiting Cyberdog. “It’s not my cup of tea, but you have to visit it to see the real punk roots that are embedded within Camden.” One For The Gram: When we asked Vicky where she would take the perfect photograph she said “perfect pictures can be taken anywhere”. One of the locations she recommends is the street art just near Sainsburys but “of course the wonderful venues of the Round House” is one to visit to capture excellent pictures. Slow It Down: “I enjoy lazing by the river outside Camden Wetherspoons people watching.” Vicky insists that even wondering through the food market is an experience “inhaling the variety of aromatic smells.”
WORDS AND ILLUSTRATION BY HOLLIE INGRAM
Comfy trainers are a must.
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CAMDEN HERITAGE The ever evolving history of Camden market is truly an interesting one from the very beginning of its story. With plans of redevelopment ahead will its quirky and fashionable presence survive the radical plans of change sponsored by billionaire.
WORDS BY GEORGIA LEON AND HOLLIE INGRAM. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGIA LEON.
WHERE DID IT ALL START? 16 stalls. 16 stalls at an arts and crafts event that was taking place out the back of Dingwalls during 1974. Soon after that food stalls where opened - one of which was opened by June Foulds, an Olympic silver medallist. It was these stalls that sparked Camden off as we know it. Just like the domino effect, one by one more and more markets were set up - Union Street, Stables Market and the Canal Market which formed the Camden Market we know today. Now? It is the largest market in London, which is astonishing when you think that a mere few decades before, it was non-existent.
FASHION HISTORY OF CAMDEN What happens in Camden, doesn’t stay there. The links Camden has with the fashion industry are unbreakable. As the music scene began to expand, the alternative following swarmed with it. Camden had to meet their needs, providing alternative clothing items was essential. When the stalls started supplying them with their iconic looks, it flew off the shelves. All the subcultures thrived here from the rockers, to the mods and the punks. If you was part of the cool crew there isn’t a doubt you’d spend most of your days in Camden. At Camden you can almost buy anything, a vintage pair of Doc Martens, flannel shirt, a band jumper or a leather jacket. Camden is versatile to say the least. You cannot pigeon hole it or the diverse crowd it draws year after year. Because of the flexibility of the area it makes the perfect hub for new designers to launch their fresh vision. It is worth exploring the stalls to see up and coming designers.
people not to have concerns about the upcoming transformation. There are rumours going around the market that there are plans of boutique hotels being set up in the area as part of Camden’s makeover. Financed by Israeli billionaire, Teddy Sagi, the founder of Playtech (an online gambling website), he brought Camden Stables market site for a massive £400m and Camden Lock for £100m. It’s not quite known when these development plans will go ahead but it’s clear that changes are being made with views of cranes and building works going on around the area. There’s a strong history and love for Camden Market for those who are local and for the 28m visitors a year. Hopefully these changes won’t have a drastic effect and make Camden the latest victim of urban redevelopment and the market will be able to prevail as it has done in previous years.
WHAT ABOUT NOW? Camden is now utilised as a diverse selling quarter, full of eccentric and colourful items. Not only is it home to iconic garments, but also to vibrant foods from all around the world from Chinese to Indian. However, change is soon to come Camden Town and with such an iconic history, it’s hard for
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TATTOOED TOWN Camden is a hub of the weird and wonderful, you can’t help but get sucked in by the different cultures and one industry that’s really taken the spotlight is tattooing.
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I
t is hard to walk through Camden without being blown away by all the different subcultures that inhabit there. Punks, hippies and goths to name a few, all have a home in Camden. The same can be said about tattoos, once an underground passion has since gone mainstream and it’s now hard to walk 10 minutes without stumbling across a tattoo parlour. The art of tattooing became popular in the 60s, it isn’t a new art form but its popularity has been on the increase for several years. Could this be down our changing attitudes or the rise of social media? Tattooing can be dated as far back as the 15th century, predominantly sported by sailors. However, the first dated tattoo studio was in the 1890s. It’s assumed that they used makeshift tattoo guns or simply practiced the art of stick and pokes.
WORDS BY HOLLIE INGRAM
When you think of tattooing, traditionally you may think of rebellious individuals but it didn’t start like that. In fact, George V had a tattoo. In 1881 on a trip to Japan, he decided to commemorate his trip by getting a blue and red Dragon tattoo. Over the years tattoos have gone through waves of popularity and the styles of tattoos have developed and changed over the years; from Anchors and Swallows to Union Jacks and Bull Dogs. Even the method of tattooing has changed, the most popular is dotwork, where the shading of the tattoo is done by miniscule, individual dots. Throughout the years the art of tattooing has developed ten folds. Originally seen on the working man, we can now see individuals from a range of different backgrounds having tattoos. They are appreciated in all their glory, with many flaunting the work on their skin. Across the UK, especially within London there are numerous tattoo conventions held, where you can get a piece by a top artist or simply watch those getting worked on. As the tattooed community have become more accepted, even employers are responding to the change of events. It is no longer unusual to see a member of staff at a restaurant or in a retail environment having ink on their skin.
Every tattoo shop is different, many tattoo shops specialise in a different type of tattooing with the artists being experts in certain fields. Some studios can be specialists in portraits, line work and neo traditional. The décor of the shops are just as interesting as the people that work there, some opt for the white crisp look whilst others fill the shop with vintage pictures and furniture. Whatever you are after, there is a studio in Camden for you.
“ Once an underground passion has since gone mainstream. ”
On Camden High Street you will find Hell to Pay Tattoo and Piercing Studio and Camden Piercing and Tattoo. It is worth exploring the area and having a chat with them if you’re thinking of getting inked in Camden. Looking at their previous work and talking to customers who have gone there previously is also a great indication of what the studio will be like, and more importantly if it’s right for you.
The subculture of tattooing literally breathes through the streets of Camden, often you can spot some of the most inked people in the UK with a piece of art on nearly every inch of their body.
TOP 5 TATTOO STUDIOS 1. Hell To Pay Tattoo Studio
2. Flamin’Eight Tattoo London
3. Evil From The Needle
Camden Town 188 Camden High Street London NW1 8QP
Camden Town 2 Castle Road London NW1 8PP
Camden Town 232 Camden High Street London NW1 8QS
4. Eclipse
5. Dark Angel
Camden Town 204 Camden High Street London NW1 8QR
Camden Town 271 Camden High Street London NW1 7BX
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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#camden We’ve scoured Instagram to bring you the best, brightest and most intriguing snaps we could find under #camden to create a feast for your eyes and let you see Camden through the eyes of the people. @chloegipson
@leelloo7515
@lukewilding98
@camden.land
@swendeluk
@hannahilewis
@instaklump
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@marcus_browning
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@petronillelondon
@camillafrogsay
@leightravers
@paigerawlings
@elodieverroust
@mymy_chp
@joemulliganart
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@beccar18
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CAUSING A SCENE Camden Street Art & an Exclusive ‘’Accidental’’ Interview with ‘NotBanksyForum’.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGASUS’ TEAM
Over the past 10 years London’s appetite for street art has continued to grow. Starting in Shoreditch, graffiti style work has spread as far as Walthamstow, Dulwich and Camden. Camden is the neighbourhood that has seen the biggest increase in street art, with organisations such as Real Art of Street Art (RASAR) and the Camden Markets Group giving up many of their buildings for paintings and murals. One thing that the art scene across different areas of London seem to share is the artists that produce the street art. Both 20
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international and national artists spread their talent across London such as Alice Pasquini, Dank, Sr. X and Hunto. Their work can be seen on buildings all across the likes of Shoreditch and Camden. Art and music often go hand in hand, and with Camden being the home to the Electric Ballroom and the punk music scene, it only seems fitting that street art would find it’s way there. Portraits of musicians like John Lennon and Amy Winehouse grace the walls of the town with a brand new Amy Winehouse
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street art trail making its debut on March 17th. The trail is in collaboration with the Jewish Museum and features art by Philth, Mr Cenz, Captin Kris and Amara Por Dios. The Amy-inspired artworks celebrates the place that the singer called home, bringing together the local community in a new and exciting way. The trail ends at a newly commissioned installation called ‘Love Is a Losing Game’ which was created by street artist Pegasus, who popped up on the scene and gained recognition for his work ‘Fallen Angel’ honouring the late star shortly after her tragic death. But who is Pegasus and is that his real name?
WORDS BY NATASH NOEL
In short, no. Pegasus is his persona and he proudly shows this off through his tag. He is an anonymous, North London street artist who came over to the UK to bring new flare to the graffiti scene. Originally from Chicago, his artwork plays with popular culture’s most recognisable icons such as Marylin Monroe, Barak Obama and The Royal Family. His work really gets under the skin and explores the deeper meaning of who celebrities are. In a strange twist of events, I ended up literally ‘photobombing’ myself into one of the artist’s photos as I was taking my own of his work. Quite a coincidence right? The person I’d managed to get in the way of wasn’t the artist himself, but turned out to be someone who represents him and many other street artists across London. I managed to steal a few minutes of his time to get the latest gossip on the artist and a little inside info on what he has in store for the later part of the year.
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what Pegasus has planned for the rest of the year, but without a doubt it’ll be something big. Autumn seems to be when he creeps out from under the floorboards and wows everyone after hiding for a couple of months. And finally, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your role in the street art community. Yeah of course. I run NotBanksyForum which is as the name states, is a forum where artists and art lovers can talk about anything art related. I represent a number of artists that are based in London and show off their work through social media accounts. Through this I am also able to help them sell their work and show if off to a wider audience that are outside of the city. I’ve been doing this for around 5 years now and it really is so rad seeing how the street art scene has grown and become more accepted by society. 8 Street Artists You Need To Know Unpredictable weather conditions and improvised workspaces mean that street art isn’t an easy thing to do. After being named as one of the most difficult art forms to produce, it’s no wonder that the art community show these talented people so much respect and love. Here at VIVID, we have rounded up 8 great street artists that all have different styles and approaches to graffiti. One thing that they do all have in common however, is that their art has left a lasting impression.
“He loves to be influenced. Sounds strange, but the way he works and generates his ideas is through the work of the artists that inspire him.”
Mr Cenz
’He loves to be influenced. Sounds strange but the way he works and generates his ideas is through the work of the artists that inspire him. Don’t let that make you think that he copies them, because he doesn’t. He just thrives off the likes of Any Warhol, Daren West, Robert Rauschenberg and so on.
Mr Cenz has been painting on walls since 1988 when he first discovered graffiti art and the hip-hop culture. He became obsessed with this new and exciting art form and after brushing with the law a few too many times, he decided to find a way of developing his skills legally. He was first commissioned at just 11 years old and continued experimenting with his art until he eventually set up his own company, Positive Arts. His distinctive work can currently be seen all over the streets of London in the form of intricate letterforms and abstract designs.
What do you personally think of his work?
Dave Bonzai
I can’t ignore it that’s for sure. He makes headlines in the street art community and often those headlines spread further and into the mainstream media. Take the Alexandra Burke painting for example. Everyone was talking about it. The Daily Mail even referred to it as a ‘Banky-esque piece’ which is huge for a street artist, especially one which has not long come over from America.
Bonzai is a street artist originally from the south coast of the UK but moved to London due to the growing art scene. He specialises in painting letters and bright characters and first realised his love for graffiti after seeing subway art on a trip to New York. ‘’I get influenced by loads of things. Nature plays a big part, whether it be the bark of a tree, a pattern on a stone etc.’’ His developing style has allowed him to travel all over the world to create his art, but he has said that London will always be his home.
So tell me a bit about Pegasus
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Can you believe we’re already almost half way through 2017? What do you think is in store for street art in the second half of the year? I really just can’t believe it to be honest. It’s already been a hell of a year for street art and I can feel that the second half of the year is going to be just as chaotic. I’m not entirely sure
Aroe MKS is arguably the best graffiti crew in the world, and Aroe is a member of it. He produces big productions and has even bigger ambitions. He’s captured the imagination of people
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CULTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEGASUS’ TEAM
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CULTURE
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Smug has created amazing large-scale wall pieces that look as though they could be photographs, giving him the name of one of the most famous street artists in the world.
WORDS BY NATASHA NOEL
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from all walks of life and doesn’t hold back when it comes to the size and scale of his work. He is known for his breath-taking pieces but there is one that he produced recently that really is just out of this world. Literally. The piece in question was part of an advertisement for RedBull and the artwork can actually be seen from space. Smug Best known for his realism work, Smug aka Sam Bates is a contemporary street artist with a bundle of skills. To create absolute realism, an artist would usually have a lot of time on their hands and an array of precise brushes. These are things that graffiti artists do not have at their disposal which is what makes Smugs work so unique and in demand. He has created amazing large-scale wall pieces that look as though they could be photographs, giving him the name of one of the most famous street artists in the world. BEST/EVER This artistic duo both have graffiti backgrounds that were inspired by photorealism and quickly developed a strong reputation on the street art scene though their photo-realistic wall art and train graffiti. They mainly focus on human figures with a real interest in death and disease, often using a variety of angles and textures to create art that isn’t all that it seems. The two have won many competitions for their art and have been welcomed by a range of artistic communities. Gnasher Like many graffiti artists, Gnasher paints large scale murals. The difference? He has created
them for the likes of Xbox, Ford and EasyJet- just to name a few and it all started back in 1985. He started his career by painting letters and words, but with this growing talent and love of street art, he soon became inspired to take the world by storm. Over the years he has grown from being a nobody to a very important somebody in the art world and has developed his own hyper-real style of spray can art that has drawn a new crowd into the graffiti world, something that any artist would be proud of doing. Parlee After first encountering the street art scene at an early age, many of Parlee’s inspirations are drawn from this time in his life. Cartoons and comic book characters are prominent in his work which results in an almost innocent style of painting. He earned a BA Honours in Fine Art and uses his knowledge to educate others on why going to school and learning is so important and something they should strive for. He also volunteers at the youth organisation Art is the Cure where he teaches young people how to be creative with spray paint. Rough If you like art that challenges the boundaries of contemporary painting, then Remi Rough is your guy. He combines graffiti art with abstract expressionism whilst exploring the history of art and specifically the urban art scene. His passion really does reflect in his work which ultimately resulted in him shooting to fame in the community. He is one to look out for over the coming years as he has big things planned with some other well-known artists.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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STYLE
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4 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR CAMDEN ESCAPADE
Subscribe to Phoebe’s YouTube channel Phoebe Slee or check out her blog www.phoebeslee.blogspot.co.uk.
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“When it comes to Camden you have to be rocking something quirky or bold to make you feel like you’re part of the town. With pretty much everyone there having a such a strong sense of style you have to go for something eye-catching to stand out from the crowd. “I’m really into stripes at the moment so I’d go for my black and white striped A-line dress paired with my bright red bag so it really pops. I might even put on a dash of red lipstick as well just to bring the look together.”
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“The one thing I can never leave the house without (apart from my phone of course) is my notebook. When you’re in a creative job and your success in dependent on how innovative your next idea is it’s super important to have something on hand so you’re able to write down your thoughts as soon as inspiration hits. Especially when you’re in a place like Camden where there’s something inspiring on every corner.”
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“It may be because I spend so much of my life sat on my bum editing my latest video’s, but spending the day walking around really takes its toll on my feet. I could just hop in a taxi and get chauffeured around but when you’re in Camden there’s just so much to take in and you wouldn’t be able to in the back of a car. That’s why flats or just any type of comfortable shoe is an absolute must. My go-to would be a pair of black Chelsea boots or maybe even a pair of Dr. Martens as a playful point towards the punk culture of Camden.”
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“My final essential would be my camera, fully charged and with plenty of space. When inspirational or beautiful things can’t be put down in words, a camera can capture the moment forever. Every time I visit Camden I come across something new, whether it be eye-catching street art or a new stall selling delicious food that I want to savor in a picture. Taking pictures is also the perfect way to share your experience with your friends and it’s always nice having them there to look back at and reminisce when you don’t have time to visit.”
WORDS BY ANNABELLE WELLS
A person’s sense of style and daily essentials can reveal a lot about them. So, when we asked blogger Phoebe Slee how she’d style it out on a trip to Camden and what items she’d bring with her we couldn’t wait to find out and satisfy our curiosity.
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ST CYR VINTAGE Welcome to St Cyr Vintage, or ‘’sincere vintage’’. The store, named after a forties burlesque star (Lili St Cyr) opened in 2009 and specialises in clothes from the 50’s to the 90’s. But if you’re a lover of vintage clothing outside of these eras don’t panic! Items from as early as the 1900’s all the way up to the 2000’s are also stocked in the masses. Not only do they sell clothes and accessories, but for those of you who are more interested in learning or reading about different fashion eras rather than wearing them, they also source and supply thousands of fashion related books and magazines. This little hidden gem buys and sells original vintage clothing. From stunning 1920’s pieces and Japanese Kimonos, to 1990’s jumpsuits and customised denim- all of which are in absolutely impeccable condition. Items are lovingly repaired in store where necessary and are carefully organised into both era and size. If you’re lucky, it’s even possible to get your hands on pieces by the likes of Givenchy and Dior. The price of products starts at around £5 for a vintage pin all the way up to £145 for an original 1950’s floral print dress with matching jacket, so there really is something to suit everyone’s budget. For fashion history junkies or just all round vintage lovers, there’s the option to pick up a store card to earn points and eventually receive a 20 percent discount. Students are also able to redeem a discount of 10 per cent with a valid form of identification. Also offered by the lovely staff are a wide range of services from personal styling to complex
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alterations. So if you find yourself in awe of a rhinestone 1920s flapper dress that doesn’t quite fit like a glove, just let them know and they’ll be more than happy to help. They even have a small amount of ‘hard to find’ Lea Stein brooches up for grabs, but you’ve got to be quick as they only ever sell one of each and they tend to get snapped up faster than you can say ‘’St Cyr Vintage’’! So whether you’re after a pair of hot pink 1970’s retro aviator sunglasses or Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty book, St Cyr Vintage is seemingly becoming one of the best stocked, vintage spots in the heart of North London. You can visit them at - Arch 56, Saddle Row, Camden Market, London, NW1 8AH. Or if you’re more of a shopping from the comforts of your own home kind of girl you can visit them online at www.stcyrvintage.co.uk and on Instagram at @stcyrvintage.
WORDS BY TASHA NOEL. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ST CYR VINTAGE.
Tucked away under a beautiful Victorian railway arch in the heart of vibrant Camden lies an independent, unique and one-of-a-kind vintage heaven. Over 25 rails of gorgeous women’s vintage clothing, accessories and fashion related books are carefully stashed away in this small corner of the big city waiting for their next chapter to begin.
STYLE
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WORDS BY ANNABELELE WELLS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY READ/THE/LABEL.
READ/THE/LABEL If you want what you’re putting on your body to good enough to for you to put in your body then Read the Label is the place for you. This skincare company focuses on creating products that are made from totally natural, raw material and with ingredients such as coconut oil and Manuka honey which are truly good enough to eat. Handmade in London and sold on a market stall in Camden, their products ranging from moisteriser’s to oil treatments and scrubs aren’t just natural but also rather beautiful. Their products come packaged in vintage style metal or glass medicine bottles which will not only feel incredible on your skin but also be great little bathroom accessories, however it’s their handmade soaps that really get me excited. Ranging from bright pinks adorned with flowers to marbled cream and turquoise they’re a feast for your eyes. Their bestsellers Rise and Shine which is made with lemongrass, cedar wood and neroli and Lavender and Tea Tree which as the name states, is made from lavender and tea tree amongst many other organic materials smell, feel and look incredible and at only £2.80 you’d be silly not to stock up. Read the Label’s found Daniel Knight is a therapist who whilst working as a spa manager started creating natural products for his clients and their personal needs and it was through this that the idea for Read the Label was created. Working alongside a cosmetic scientist Daniel creates skin care products that greatly improve people’s skin whilst staying away from the many synthetic and worryingly untested ingredients that many mainstream body care brands use in their products today. Shockingly, brands are allowed to label their products as ‘natural’ even if no natural materials are actually used. Or as their website states, “you need only 0.01% of a chosen ingredient
i.e. ‘rose oil’ to market your product as ‘rose cream’.” This is why reading the label truly is important and this skincare company is trying to reinforce that. If you read the label on any of their products you will see nothing but 100% pure vegetable and plant based components were used to make their cosmetics. For those of you who are especially interested in what goes into their products and maybe even fancy attempting to make some of your own, Read the Label have their own blog where they document the ingredients that they use and give you details on what they are, where they’re from, how to use them and what they’re good for. When you’re next in Camden be sure to check out their stall at Upper Gallery, Camden Lock Market, London, NW1 8AL, buy their products online at www.read-thelabel.co.uk or watch some videos of their products in the making on Instagram at @readthelabel_london.
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SECTION STYLE ONE
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n de t e am e C r le st y e st ib tr On the streets of Camden… With summer approaching its time for a wardrobe re-vamp and what better place to spot some upcoming trends than on the streets of London? Camden is the heart of street style, adding a fresh new flare to classic looks and with it’s own ‘grungy’ vibe – a look that is completely in this season! We stopped a few savvy fashion lovers in Camden Town and asked them a little bit about how they stay fashion forward.
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STYLE
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WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA NOEL
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1. For me it’s all about the bright florals. They can look vintage or modern. I love this dress because I can dress up for a night out or wear it casual like today. Oh and don’t forget the red lippie to match! 2. I actually work in one of the vintage shops in Camden Market so my style is inspired a lot by what comes into the shop. I love this mesh leggings and chunky boots combo as it’s something that will never really go out of style. 3. Graphic t-shirts are my thing right now. I used to hate them but as they’ve come back into fashion they’ve really started to grow on me. I also love a classic Adidas jacket. Mod fashion is something that I take inspiration from.
4. I guess you could say that my style is inspired by bloggers. I’m always scrolling through Instagram looking at what they’re wearing and usually it ends up with me doing some online shopping. This belt in particular is something that I spotted Sarah Ashcroft wearing and I couldn’t resist. 5. I’m a little bit boring when it comes to fashion and I’ll pretty much throw on anything that’s comfortable. These boots are super comfy though and look really chic which I adore. I think they have quite an ‘edgy Victorian’ look as well, which is completely accidental but I’m starting to like it. 6. Monochrome is so in at the minute and I can’t get enough of it. I’ve heard people say that sideways stripes are unflattering but this dress really hugs my curves and makes me feel amazing.I’d say my style is Kim K but without the price tag.
THE GO-TO SHOPs FOR STREET STYLE CHIC • Visit FUNKY TOWN for the most eyecatching vintage clothing you’ll ever see. • Rock DR MARTIN’S around their original stomping ground in Camden. • Shop SKINNY DIP LONDON for your statement accessories to make any outfit pop. • THE MODFATHER is the place to go for the perfect classic British street-style look. • For the delicate touch, NABI LONDON is where it’s at with handmade jewellery.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMDENMARKET.COM
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“Like tin soldiers responding to the call, to Camden we will crawl, one and all” - The Libertines
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WINEHOUSE
WORDS BY WHOEVER. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHOEVER
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SECTION ONE
"I love this city! Wherever I go in the world, to land back in London is the best feeling." - AMY WINEHOUSE
WORDS AND ARTWORK BY HOLLIE INGRAM
Winehouse was a girl from an average background who made it big with an extraordinary voice.
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orn in September 1983 to Jewish parents, Amy had always lived in London and in her final years leading up to 2011 she took residence in the creative hub of Camden Town. The singer-songwriter had endless bags of talent and personality which was evident at a tenderly young age before she was plagued with demons. Blending a mixture of genres from soul, rhythm and blues to jazz, Amy became a worldwide phenomenon. Although she wasn’t your typical female artist, she wasn’t sleek and perfect every time she stepped into the spotlight, was covered in quirky tattoos, piercings and was never without her famous untameable beehive hair, Amy had won over the population.
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‘Daddy’s Girl’ and she was just that. Her relationship with her dad, Mitch Winehouse, had been in the media spotlight for years and after her death he wrote ‘Amy, My Daughter’ a book in which he documents both the dark and light days in Amys life. Even Amy’s hit song ‘Rehab’ was inspired by Mitch’s comment about her not needing to go, despite having a serious substance addiction problem.
AMY WINEHOUSE: A FAMILY PORTRAIT Visit the Amy Winhouse exhibition at the Jewish Museum, London from 16 March – 24 September 2017 to view her personal belongings from fashion to photographs along with the Amy-themed street art trail by renowned street artist Pegasus.
Her debut album ‘Frank’ - named after Frank Sinatra, released in 2003 was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her follow up album ‘Back to Black’ was released three years later and went on to be nominated for five grammy awards which she went on to win and became the first British woman to have won all five grammys in a single night including Best New Artist and Song of the Year. To add to her award collection in 2007 she won the BRIT award for Best British Female Artist.
The Queen of Camden Town
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Amy’s several tattoos all meant something special to her. The most recognisable tattoo she has reads ‘Blake’ which is on her chest above a tattooed pocket. This was referring to ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil. After their divorce it was rumoured that the tattoo was to be removed. She also has a bird on her arm and a quote that reads ‘Never clip my wings’ - she was a woman that could never be caged. In a previous interview Amy spoke of her body art and said that “it’s a way of suffering for the things that mean a lot to you” commenting on how “Actually I like the pain. To me, it relieves you.” This gives us a glimpse into the suffering she had dealt with for years. Winehouse also has a horse shoe with a quote
Amy was wildly talented, not only did she have an incredible voice but could also play the guitar and the drums. She was an all-round performer. Fame, sadly destroyed the vibrant Amy we all came to love. Before her death and before her life had become an unbearable media circus, whilst talking about fame in an eerily premonition-like interview she stated “I don’t think I could handle it. I would probably go mad.” and she did just that.
Amy Winehouse statue in Stables Market
The Queen of Camden Town. A bronze sculpture has been created by artist Scott Eaton and situated in her old stomping grounds the heart of Camden stables. Fans frequently swarm to the site to pay tribute to their idol and to remember the happy girl we were all lucky enough to catch a glimpse of. Amy’s Back to Black album cover photo
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MUSIC
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camden, carnage & culture Not only does Camden draw artists in but it spouts them out too, and with numerous music venues in the area we’ve given you a rundown of the most electric and culture-filled. KOKO KoKo was originally known as the Camden Theatre where acts from across London and the UK generally came to perform to a select audience. It was first opened during 1900 on Boxing Day. For several years performance artists swarmed here until renovation started in 1913 and it took on the appearance of a ‘proper’ cinema. The Camden Theatre later closed its doors in 1940, before being refurbished and utilised by the BBC Theatre in 1945. Several years later the aged building was transformed
again, it had been brought back to life and now renamed as the ‘Music Machine’ and became the beating heart for the Punk generation. During 1982 there had been iconic performances from The Cure and Eurythmics and worldwide star Madonna played her first ever UK gig here. In recent years KoKo has had a variety of talented artists rocking the stage from Noel Gallagher to Kasabian.
ROUNDHOUSE 50 years ago the Roundhouse was simply a beaten train shed until Arnold Wesker revolutionised the building opening it as a performing arts venue and theatre. During 1966 he opened with an extravagant, wild party, a small time band also performed there – Pink Floyd. They kicked it off with style and set the bar for years to come. In 1975 The Ramones performed in this now famous music house and NME labelled the Roundhouse as “the hottest, sleaziest garage ever”. After years of being the go-to place for Camden
creatives, the Roundhouse shut down in 1983 due to financial difficulty. However, luckily for us 90s kids it was reopened in 1996 by toy maker Torquil Norman and became the place of endless possibilities that we all know it as today. So, after years of enhancing people’s lives creatively by pushing boundaries and providing illegal raves, kickstarting superstars careers and inspiring filmmakers and artists a trip to the Roundhouse never fails to provide life-long memories.
DINGWALLS This building’s colourful heritage dates back to June 1973. During the early 70s Camden Town went through a rapid period of change. When the site was originally opened it functioned primarily as a timber yard. This changed during 1972 when two childhood friends transformed the venues into a crafts market. In 1973 John Armit and Tony Mackintosh transformed the building into Dingwalls Dance Hall. When the establishment reopened it had one of the longest bars in London for its time. From then 36
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on it built momentum, word spread and in poured the famous. It quickly became the ‘it’ place - Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones came to the venue frequently for a beer and a jam session. This historic building was also blessed by classic bands such as The Clash and The Sex Pistols.
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CAMDEN STATION
REGENTS CANAL
THE STABLES AMY WINEHOUSE STATUE
CAMDEN LOCK
STREET ART
HIGH STREET
CAMDEN MARKET
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ISSUE NO1, CAMDEN
ARTWORK BY GEORGIA LEON