Capturing the forgotten communities of east London
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Oliver Cargill
East London has changed immeasurably over the last decade. Once neglected, it’s now one of the capital’s most desirable pockets; transforming itself from a high-risk crime zone (remember when Clapton road was ‘murder mile’?) to a thriving hub of pop-up boutiques and overpriced coffee shops.
As is typically the way with inner-city gentrification, there are many that have been left behind – particularly among the area’s older, poorer communities. “They can’t stand it,” Yorkshire-born photographer Oliver Cargill tells Huck. “Who can?”
Cargill’s new photo series, Hell Is Right Here, aims to give a voice to the locals who have been forgotten in Hackney, Bethnal Green and Brick Lane. Shot on film, his photos pay tribute to the original working-class communities in the area, via unflinching portraiture and artful location shots.
“I was brought up in a working-class family, so the working class ‘scene’ was all around me in Yorkshire,” he explains. “It wasn’t until I moved to London over a decade ago, that I really saw the harshness of working class, East London life. Even though I see myself as working class, and even nearly an east Londoner, I am far removed from the working class life of East London.”
His whole project is set to go on display this Friday (October 6th) at Monty’s Bar on Brick Lane. According to Cargill, it will be his first ever solo show. “Most of my subjects reflect a small part of me in some way,” he adds, poetically. “I have been walking the streets of East London for many years, so it helps having a face and name around these parts. It meant I was able to get closer than most.”
Oliver Cargill’s Hell Is Right Here will run at Monty’s Bar on Friday October 6th.
See more of his work on his official website, or follow him on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
London’s largest indoor skatepark to be demolished for padel courts
Better Extreme — The Barking skatepark’s fate follows that of similar indoor spaces in recent years, with operators GLL citing falling visitor numbers as the reason behind the decision.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In the pit at one of the UK’s last stock car & banger speedways
Stock Car Racing Isn’t Dead — Photographer Liam McCarthy spent time in and around the Arlington Raceway’s circuit, capturing the diehard community that keeps the sport alive.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Inside Lower Duck Pond, the nicest town on the internet
/r/HaveWeMet — With a population of 2,500 and no fixed location, the subreddit is a space for roleplaying citizens to solve mysteries, host fictional events and ultimately connect. In an internet that’s often divided and toxic, Vicky Jessop hangs out in one of its most wholesome corners.
Written by: Vicky Jessop
