Banksy and the Street Art of London's East End

The Study Day consist of three talks, starting at 10:30. Coffee will be available from 10:00. During the day, Pepe will take us on a tour of the old East End before moving on to its modern dynamic street art scene. He will end with a look at perhaps the most famous street artist - Banksy.

1: An introduction to the 'old' East End of London - Spitalfields, Shoreditch and Whitechapel. We explore the origins of what was once a seedy and deprived area: Jack the Ripper, the Elephant Man and the Kray Twins.

2: Street art and graffiti. We get up close and personal with the modern dynamic East London street art scene, as Pepe takes us on a colourful virtual tour of Shoreditch and Spital fields. He introduces us to larger-than-life art work. Pop culture, social commentary and political satire all find expressions in a stencil, a tag, a throw, or in neon 3-D!

3: Banksy: tracing the story of Banksy’s humble beginnings as a tagger on the streets of Bristol in the 1980’s to one of the most recognisable names in the art world. We will examine the reasons behind his incredible rise, looking at some of his famous stunts and discuss what his influence has been on the art market today. Finally we look at what his legacy, if any, might be.

Coffee and tea will be available from 10:00 a.m. Two talks are held in the morning; lunch will be served, and the final talk is at 2:00 p.m.

How to book this event:

To book this event please contact the organiser, Karen Dawson (karen.e.dawson13@gmail.com). Price £46 pp for members (£51 for guests).

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Pepe Martinez

I qualified as a London blue badge tourist guide in 2011, graduating at the top of my class. Since qualifying as a guide I have specialised in the graffiti and street art of East London. Prior to becoming a London blue badge, I was a tour manager for 15 years, travelling extensively, all over the world.

I can organise and arrange lecture facilities in central London. I can also combine a lecture with a walk of street art and graffiti in the East End and I can also organise a practical spray session, giving your group an opportunity to have a go at creating their own works.