Mylène is a French art director, currently based in London. She’s currently art director for the books and gifts lists at Laurence King Publishing, part of Orion/Hachette UK.
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.
Architecture collective Assemble has transformed a former public swimming pool to create a new art centre for Goldsmiths college. The baths were closed to public in 1999. The space now accommodated seven new gallery spaces, a cafe and event space.
Regeneration or gentrification? Having been living in and around Brixton for almost two decades, I'm not the only one witnessing its gradual transformation. Right now, Brixton offers an intriguing mix of Jamaican and British culture like nowhere else.
My favourite restaurant as the moment which was a former boxing hall. You sit on the old spectating seats and get served butter chicken on pine cones which infuse their flavour into the food. A really different experience.
Great little cinema, hidden away in the basement of Aubin & Wills, London. Not exactly a fan of the brand but the cinema is pretty awesome. They show a variety of interesting films and have probably the comfiest seats including armchairs and sofas. Bit dear, but one of the best cinemas I've come across.