9 December 2020

© Tony Hutchings. Diane Atkinson - Historian

A new Shoreditch Pioneers photographic exhibition that showcases portraits of over 150 people who live and work in Shoreditch, is being featured on a large outdoor screen at the Photobook Cafe in Leonard Circus, Shoreditch, London until 11th December.

© Tony Hutchings. Luke Morgan - Artist

The typological portraits, which include personal stories and reflections of Shoreditch can also be seen online at www.instagram.com/shoreditchpioneers. The project is the work of professional photographer and AOP Photographer, Tony Hutchings who worked in Shoreditch for over 17 years and was inspired by the people who have helped to make the area so creative and culturally vibrant.

© Tony Hutchings. Samson Soboye - Fashion Designer

A physical exhibition of Shoreditch Pioneers, planned for April at the Space Station Gallery in Hoxton Square, had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. The event, in partnership with gallery owner Russell Chopp, was to raise money for the Hackney Winter Night Shelter and support the homeless across the borough.

“We hope to reschedule the exhibition when we are through the pandemic, but until then we are extremely grateful to Lee Williams of Rapid Eye for hosting Shoreditch Pioneers at his Photobook Café and we hope people will also visit www.instagram.com/shoreditchpioneers and make a donation to a charity that needs our help more than ever,” said Tony Hutchings. “The project gave me the opportunity to photograph and document the lives of so many incredibly inspiring, talented and committed individuals who reflect the rich character and diversity of Shoreditch. Everyone is photographed using a similar lighting style so there is a consistency that allows viewers to see subjects in the same way, in contrast to the unique stories they have to tell.”

© Tony Hutchings. Akimi Asai - Curator

Others involved in the project include designer Wayne Ford, studio owner, AOP President and Photographer Tim Flach and Ernesto Leal, who published East End Promise 1985/2000. Shoreditch Pioneers runs daily at the Photobook Café at 4 Leonard Circus, London EC2A 4DQ until 11th December 4-8pm daily. https://photobookcafe.co.uk/

View more imagery from Tony Hutchings in Find a Photographer