The Dalston Project

Hamid sells fabrics at Ridley Road Market. Photo: Nick Aldridge

It’s time to don your detective’s hat for an underground discovery into the nitty-gritty of Dalston’s rich fabric.

At the Dalston Project, visitors are invited to explore the oft-overlooked members of our community – the butchers, the bakers, the Reverends and the stall sellers – photographed by Nick Aldridge and interviewed about their experiences of living and trading here.

The setting is a dark World War II bunker that’s been opened up for exhibitions after lying untouched since the Blitz, and there’s an exciting twist – the only way to see the art properly is by using a torch (provided).

“We know E8 is chock full of creatives,” said organiser Matt Franks. “But they are new, they are contemporaries. What about those that have been in the area for decades? The people who live and do business in the area? Few acknowledge their role in the wider community.

“These people are those that provide the produce that you put on the table, those that provide services and entertainment, and those who bring the faiths to the local community.”

Matt wants people to discover for themselves a new side to the area: “A lot of people from outside of Hackney look down on Dalston in particular. We decided that we wanted to do something about it and showcase how diverse and rich that community is.”

The Dalston Project
The Bunker (entry behind The Print House)
18 Ashwin Street
London E8 3DL

12 – 8pm
Wednesday 14 – Sunday 25 July 2010 (not 19 and 20)
Free entry