Brick Lane, also known as Bangla Town, is one of London’s foremost magnets for street photographers. It’s fitting, then, that Photomonth, the East London Photography Festival, is focused on this meandering lane of multiculture. Leica is taking full advantage of the festival by launching a pop-up store, to be called Photography Unplugged, in the old Truman’s Brewery which sits right at the heart of Brick Lane.
Photography Unplugged – Leica’s menu
Opening on 16th October, Photography Unplugged will start with an exhibition of photographs from artist Ed Templeton, who is also a respected cult figure in the subculture of skateboarding.
Templeton’s paintings, photographs, drawings, and mixed-media installations take their inspiration from the subculture he is a part of and the suburban environment he lives in. His exhibition, Plastic Plant Places, will be on show from 16th October – 22nd October.
From 23rd October, photographer Matt Stuart, known for his witty and astute street photography will open his exhibition Pedestrians. Matt will also be giving portfolio reviews on Friday 24th October, followed by a Photography Master class on Sunday 26th October, which is open to all photographers. A limited number of the iconic Leica M system camera and the new Leica T camera system will be available for photographers to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join. Stuart will share his do’s and don’ts of street photography whilst giving the group tips on enhancing their photographic technique.
Photographer Bob Mazzer who spent two decades commuting to work and back on the tube, using his Leica M4 and his own unique perspective to capture Londoners, commuters and tourists as they journeyed through the capital’s network of tunnels, will be talking about his work and experience using his Leica M4 on Monday 20th October, 6-8pm. His Underground project was published by the Gentle Author.
On Tuesday 21st October, we will be joined by photojournalist and Leica Ambassador, Tom Stoddart. Established as one of the world’s most respected photojournalists, Stoddart is represented by Getty Images, and produces photographic projects on the serious world issues of our time. Stoddart will join us from 7-9pm to discuss his career and work as a leading photojournalist.
Throughout Photomonth in October, Leica Akademie Manager, Robin Sinha, will host a number of Photography Walks, such as the Leica M Walk – Street Fashion, and Leica T Walk – The Urban Landscape. Participants just need to book a place, and they will be provided a camera to use during the walk or can bring along their own.
Alongside the schedule of talks, exhibitions and events, visitors are also encouraged just to stop by and see the latest Leica products on display. Expert Leica staff will be on hand to answer any questions, and inspire the photographer in you. Furniture for the Leica pop up has been kindly loaned by Swiss furniture company VITRA, whose goal is to create interiors, furniture and accessories that are functional and inspiring.
Shop 7, Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Thursday 16th October – Monday 27th October
10:30 – 19:00 daily
Further information and events schedule:
Thursday 16th October – Wednesday 22nd October
Exhibition: Ed Templeton, Plastic Plant Places
Friday 17th October
M Walk: Street Art, 10.00 – 13.00
T Walk: The Urban Landscape, 14.00 – 17.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with a Leica T or M System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351or for the M Walk click here or the T Walk click here to book a place.
Saturday 18th October
T Walk: Nature vs Architecture, 10.00 – 13.00
M Walk: Street Fashion, 14.00 – 17.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with a Leica T or M System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351 or for the T walk click here or the M walk click here to book a place.
Sunday 19th October
M Walk: Street Art, 14.00 – 17.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with a Leica M System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351 or click here to book a place.
Monday 20th October
Talk: Bob Mazzer, 18.00 – 20.00
Complimentary, Space is limited. Call 0207 629 1351 or click here to book a place.
Tuesday 21st October
T Walk: The Urban Landscape, 14.00 – 17.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with a Leica T Camera System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351or click here to book a place.
Talk: Tom Stoddart. 19.00 – 21.00
Complimentary, Space is limited. Call 0207 629 1351 or click here to book a place.
Thursday 23rd October- 27th October
Exhibition: Matt Stuart, Pedestrians
Thursday 23rd October
M Walk: Street Art, 14.00 – 17.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with a Leica M System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351 or click here to book a place.
Friday 24th October
T Walk: The Urban Landscape, 10.00 – 13.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with a Leica T Camera System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351 or click to book a place.
Matt Stuart Portfolio Reviews, 11.00 – 18.00
Portfolio reviews will be one-on-one 30 min sessions, £50.00
Call 0207 629 1351 or click to book a place.
Saturday 25th October
M Walk: Street Fashion, 10.00 – 13.00
Complimentary, join Akademie Manager Robin Sinha and explore the East End with the Leica M System. A limited number of Leica cameras will be available for participants to borrow. Those who prefer to use their own equipment are also welcome to join, call 0207 629 1351 or click here to book a place.
Hi there Mike. I’ll be using a 28mm Elmarit Asph to give me my preferred 35mm (-ish!) FOV. Was planning to sign up for the walk on Saturday afternoon – will be good to meet you then! Fingers crossed for good weather!
Good, get in quick because places are limited. At least you won’t need to borrow a camera–they’ve all gone already. The Elmarit 28mm is a brilliant lens and was made very popular when the M8 was introduced precisely because of the effective 37mm field of view. I am currently using it on the Fuji X-T1 which turns it into a 42mm lens. Very versatile! Look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
You too Mike. My girlfriend is now joining me on both walks on Saturday. She regularly beats me at camera club competitions!
Thanks for the heads up Mike. This all sounds very exciting indeed. Yesterday I took delivery of a "new" m8.2 – my first digital Leica. Can’t wait to give it a test drive!
Congratulations on the M8.2. It’s a nice camera and I’m sure you will be happy. What lens?
I will be in the viscidity of the Leica store on Thursday between noon and 3 pm and again on Saturday afternoon when I’m booked into a walking tour with Robin.