Andy Harvey is a Graphic Designer/Art Director. Currently Creative Director at Marque Creative/Starworks in London, and currently resides in E17, London.
I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.
The tunnels are a Crane.tv favourite. We have used the space as a backdrop for several films including a music session with The Civil Wars. The tunnels have a great story behind them and feature one of the only legal graffiti walls in London on their Leake Street side which was championed by Banksy back in 2008.