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New Book: 'Undercover Spitalfields' by Peter Marlow 

April 11, 2013 
by Peter Marlow 
Magnum Editions are pleased to announce a new publication by British Magnum photographer, Peter Marlow.

'Undercover Spitalfields', commissioned by Ballymore Group, depicts life at London's iconic Old Spitalfields Market and marks the 120 year anniversary of this historic site. Originally completed in 1893, Spitalfields is London’s oldest market and a unique visitor experience, voted a top 10 city tourist attraction.

This new book captures the Victorian spirit of this iconic market, from its outstanding example of nineteenth century architecture to its current status as a cultural hub; a mecca for artists, designers and creative start-ups. For 120 years the market has been a prime destination for business and today, trading seven days a week, Old Spitalfields Market represents a resounding commercial success. Peter Marlow marks this accomplishment is with a series of in-situ portraits of ex-market traders such as Androuet and InSpitalfields, who have now made the investment and evolution to full retail units.

'Undercover Spitalfields' is shot at both day and night, following the market and surrounding areas across various transitional stages, including the arrival and set up of the traders, the eerie stillness of the unoccupied market at night, the bustle of Brick Lane’s 24 hour bagel shops and the buzz of Saturday night patrons of the area’s legendary pubs. It captures the area’s vibrant and growing community both centrally and within a wider geography, encompassing the financial centre of the City of London to the west, and fashionable Shoreditch to the north. The area symbolizes one of the most significant and rapidly developing districts in London.

The book includes Marlow’s detailed studies of Spitalfields’ beautiful architecture, including the old market, the lovingly refurbished French Huguenot houses, Christ Church Spitalfields and the infamous Victorian pub ‘The Ten Bells’, notorious haunt of Jack the Ripper. It includes a wide selection of Marlow’s instantly recognizable portraits of key Spitalfields figures, including market manager Eric Graham, the volunteers of The Museum of Immigration and Diversity, Andy Rider, Rector at Christ Church Spitalfields and Sandra Esquilant, landlady of The Golden Heart.

This wonderful new publication includes specially commissioned text from architectural critic, Jonathan Glancy. 'Undercover Spitalfields' is available in softback and limited edition hardback and provides a celebration to this rare jewel in London’s crown; a testament to the community, its cultural dynamism and commercial activity.

Softback £20.00
Available from late April.

Order now:
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