‘Bright things in dark places’ – Unseen London photo show pays homage to previously homeless
Unseen Tours: ‘An international incident occurred here, 1850’. Photograph: Jennie Blythe
“The William Blake mosaics are a reminder that you can find bright things in dark places” says Anne, one of the guides who shows tourists round Westminster as part of Unseen London.
The social enterprise has for 15 years specialised in walking tours of the capital that are led by people who have experienced homelessness.
Street Level, an exhibition this weekend in Hoxton, pays homage to who they are and what they do.
Images by photographer Jennie Blythe are accompanied by the words of the stories of many of the organisation’s 30 guides.
At the launch of the show – sited somewhat incongruously in the basement of a blingy five-star hotel – we hear from Anne along with several other guides.
Ben tells of the bonds he has formed with his customers, while David talks movingly of the favourite spot on his tour, Cross Bones Graveyard, a 17th century paupers’ cemetery near London Bridge.
The exhibition is on briefly in Hackney before itself going on tour, as Unseen London is rapidly expanding its network of global links within the travel industry.
Its stated goal is to “work to challenge public perceptions and create routes into financial independence” for those who have been homeless, but as the pleasure on the faces of the guides demonstrates, their tours also offer a wonderful way to see London differently.
Street Level
Until 29 March 2026
art’hotel London Hoxton
1-3 Rivington Street
EC2A 3DT