citylikeyou — Graffiti — London by James Davies

London / Street Art

When I first took up photography I knew it was something I wanted to do but was unsure of what I wanted to take photos off. I started out by mainly photographing London’s graffiti and street art. Graffiti isn’t tolerated in London as much as in other cities (such as Berlin or Lisbon) but it has a long history in the capital and if you know where to look there’s a lot of it around. Some of the best street artists and graffiti writers in the world either live in or travel to London to use it as a canvas. It’s not something I photograph so much anymore but I still admire those who do it. The risks involved and their dedication are truly remarkable. I always wish I had the balls and the talent to try it myself.

Address
Graffiti, London, United Kingdom

Photographer

Current city: London

jamesdaviesphoto.com

Born and raised in Cardiff, James Davies is a photographer who has lived in London for 13 years. His work centres around the impact of the city upon its citizens and its citizens upon the city, as well as the wider social, economic and political themes that affect daily life in Britain. His most recent series, The Sclerosis of Existence, looks to explore the relationship between the people and the places of a city when seen through the repetition of daily routine.

More Places in London 471

London / Art

I love the architecture of the Barbican - it is so important to its historical context, at a time when London was being shaped for modernity after the war - they also aspired to make it a bold art centre. We need bold, always.

London / Cafe

Paul Rothe n Son has been there 120 years, bang in the middle of town. Hard to find a proper old-school deli in central London nowadays, n none more proper than this place. Great jacket potatoes, soup, sandwiches. It looks the part too. And the service is always great. Try and avoid the lunch queue.

London / Place

No matter where I am in the world, which city I’m living in, my bedroom will always be my favourite place and there’s nothing more I enjoy than to just sit down in front of my computer, scan negatives in, smoke a ridiculous amount of cigarettes and drink excessive amounts of tea.

London / Attraction

The Greenwich Observatory with its green laser beam can transfigure any night sky. If you decide to cross the Thames via the foot tunnel, make sure you look out for the green ray. You can be on one side of the meridian in a minute, and cross to the other side on the next, without even realising it.

London / Place

I've had a love affair with the BT Tower for some time now. Unfortunately entrance to the public was shut in 1980, but earlier this year I was invited up to the top, where the revolving restaurant once stood. The views were absolutely breath taking.