A colorful side to Londontown

I was just telling Ross the other day that in the last year, I felt as if I had explored all London had to offer. And that while I don't feel my time is done traveling in Europe, I could leave London, happily knowing I've seen everything. Well, truth be told, I was wrong. 

Last weekend, we participated in a free walking tour, the Graffiti + Street Art Tour. Because of this tour, I feel that I haven't seen London at all! The tour took us through the Eastside of London, the parts of London that seem to have more culture, art, and food. And I couldn't have been any happier with the tour, because now I know that there is much more to see in my "home" and much more to explore. 

Tagging {writing your name or your trademark, like the one above} is how most people get started in graffiti + street art. Despite popular beliefs, this was not originally gang related; it was a way for one European artist's way of making his name known. 

Not all graffiti is illegal; sometimes an artist is commissioned to paint a wall. 

Some street art, like the yellow telephone box above, is painted multiple times throughout the city. For instance, I've seen quotes, like the one below by WRDSMTH, all over London. After doing some research, I've learned his quotes are all over the world now. 

This "hidden" alleyway was fascinating, as it was all painted with graffiti + art.  The colors, words, and art made it an Instagrammers heaven and a photographer hotspot ;).

By far my favorite art that I saw during the tour. This is what is called helium graffiti. Looks real, right? Nope, all paint. 

Some of the artwork reflects the political and social climate of the borough. So the one above in particular was above the mistreatment of Muslims in the East-end, and the street art was encouraging for peace and equality. 

More WRDSMTH and helium graffiti.

Needless to say, this tour opened up a whole new world to us, and there is a lot more exploring that we need to do, especially to the Eastside of London!