East London Food & Culture

5 things you can’t miss at Leytonstone Art Trail 2018

Fifty shows in nine days across homes, galleries, cafes and other public spaces in E10, E11 and beyond

Is it really that time of year already? And the good news is that this season – unbelievably its tenth – the Leytonstone Arts Trail has a record number of exhibitions. Nearly 50 shows will display multi-media works across the spectrum, and there are lots of events and arty markets to enhance the festie too.

Not familiar with the annual shenanigans? Basically it’s something of a free-for-all. And all the better for it. Started by a small group back in 2008 and almost entirely self-funded and run by volunteers, the egalitarian entry criteria means it attracts a diverse range of artists from hobbyists to professionals.

Participants display their work in a variety of venues such as their homes, studios, workshops, cafes, shops, galleries and outdoors; the info on who’s displaying what and where is printed in an Arts Trail guide booklet (see link below). And the LAT is free of charge, of course.

Here are five – in no particular order – that we reckon you shouldn’t miss:

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Image: Costakis Costa

Sally Taylor – Local People
This artist is unveiling a series of oil portraits of residents from the fast-changing Francis Road area. Sally combines her time between portrait painting and work as a model maker for stop-frame animation, most recently Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. Her works are characterised by a “vitality, presence and affection”. More info. The Garden Room, 173 Francis Rd, Leyton, E10 6NT

Costakis Costa – My Leytonstone
This one is an absolute must: photos taken over 38 years, in and around the High Road barbershop Mario’s then and now. It’s a shop window display so can be viewed any time, any day of the week. More info. Mario’s, 562a High Road Leytonstone, E11 3DH

Wild
Brett Banks and Mary Knight are curating their second outdoor 3D exhibition in the grounds of the Quaker Meeting House. This follows 2016’s On the Brink, where strong work by “3D artists with a range of specialisms” was selected and brought together to show to the public. More info. Wanstead Quaker Meeting House, Bush Rd, E11 3AU

Outdoor 3D show at Wild
3D show Wild is back this year. Image: PR

Curated London Artisan Market
This one-off brings together 30 handpicked artists, designers and makers from in and around the local community offering “exclusive handmade items at excellent value”. There’ll also be tea, coffee, cakes, a raffle and handmade goodies. More info. Sat 14 July 11am-4pm, Lister Hall Methodist Church, 578 Leytonstone High Road, E11 3DA

Elaine Kaskett’s Girl & The Sea
Finally, this Leytonstone writer and amateur photographer has, since the inception of the Arts Trail, exhibited images from the window of her house. This year she’s “committed to taking bolder risks”, showing at Laura Lea’s lovely station-side gallery. Although she enjoys photographing events, nature, and architecture, her favourite subject is “my daughter, an extraordinarily free spirit” More info. Laura Lea Design, 1 Church Lane E11 1HE

The Leytonstone Arts Trail 2018 runs from 7th to 15th July. Timings and more details can be found on the website here.

Main image by Sally Taylor

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