Last of The Real High Streets – An Exhibition

8th October – 27th November

Chatsworth shoe repair shop. Photo: Colin Obrien

In this exhibition, words and images gathered over
the last year tell the story of Chatsworth Road.
This high street, filled almost exclusively with
independent shops, is a rarity in modern Britain.

Shops like ‘Chatsworth Tyre Service’ and the
butcher ‘Mighty Meats’ have been run by the same
family for decades. The computer repair shop
doubles as a Koranic school. In the last few years,
a French deli, juice bar and gourmet coffee shop
have appeared alongside the Kashmiri kebab shop
and Jamaican takeaway.

Each plays their own part in keeping alive this
peculiar and wonderful street.

The Olympics (the site is a stone’s throw away)
and the revival of Chatsworth Road street market,
once Hackney’s biggest, could see this fascinating
stretch of road change beyond all recognition.
Acclaimed street photographer, Colin O’Brien
and award-winning travel writer, Jane Egginton
felt compelled to capture and share these diverse
stories before they disappear forever.

Remy, owner of L'epicerie Delicaressen @ 56 Chatsworth Road Photo: Colin Obrien

Too Sweet Caribbean take-away. Photo: Colin Obrien

The Regent @39 Chatsworth sells an assortment of things including Swiss lace, Italian silk shirts and African fims

Venue:
Chats Place
42-44 Brooksby’s Walk
London E9 6DF

Private View
Party at the Palace
drinks, food and music
7-11pm, Thursday October 7th

Exhibition
Open Wed–Sat
12–5pm (‘til 9pm Thu)
Tel: 0771 874 989

Colin Obrien’s website