As threatened, here’s another set of snaps from a recent walk around the neighbourhood, traversing the length-and-breadth of Penge and as far as Anerley and the borders of Beckenham. Shops, garages, car parks, alleyways, hoardings…nowhere escapes the spray can in our enclave of south-east London.
Seriously considering handing over the front of our house. These pieces bring me so much joy!
Nine months of enjoying Penge’s vibrant street art scene, and I’m still discovering new works all the time. These shots are from a recent amble. I found so many good ‘uns that there’ll be another post hot on this one’s heels…
As well as enjoying the murals, I’ve been making regular use of Alexandra Rec as part of my new jogging route, and taking the short train journey to my favourite reading spot in Brockwell Park’s walled garden. The last couple of months have been focused on taking more time for relaxation, mindfulness and quiet. Trying to be present. Trying to avoid the incessant noise and the tyranny of choice that comes with every decision. It’s a work-in-progress. But turning my phone off and strolling the streets with my camera is part of this renewed effort – and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it…
After a stressful 6 months, we finally moved into our new pad: a little terraced house in glorious Pengé-a-la-mer (or Penge, for the uninitiated). We already love it here – it’s got such a great community vibe, our neighbours are great, and we’re a stone’s throw from the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park (who wouldn’t covet that!). There’s a well-stocked deli, lots of craft beer bars, proper high street Christmas lights, corner shops where we know the owners’ names, parakeets in the trees, and a weekly food market. Of course, there are downsides too….but I struggle to think of them right now.
The best thing is that Penge is the street art capital of the world*. Over 1,150 artworks have been placed around SE20 over the last seven years, and at any one time there are over 400 to see. It takes 4-5 hours to get round them all! I’m in heaven.
I’ll be making regular photo dumps of the new ‘hood over the coming year, starting with these beauties…
*unverified
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