Brick Lane Amplified

Over the years there must have been many different sounds of music, protest, conversation and industry on Brick Lane. Here are a few ‘sounds’ I have captured with my camera.

Woman with loud hailer outside the Brick House, Brick Lane 2008

Most loud hailers used on Brick Lane are connected with protest. This woman was advertising a show in the Brick House.

Protest against the BNP at the top of Brick Lane, 1992

Following the election of a BNP candidate to Tower Hamlets Council there were regular protests against the BNP in and around Brick Lane. Here local Councillor Ghulam Mortuza addresses protesters.

Playing the piano outside the second hand furniture hut, Brick Lane 2002

It’s extraordinary that the hut in this photograph has survived all the redevelopment that Brick Lane has seen over the past years. It can still be seen next to the bridge on Brick Lane.

Michael Myers playing a Barrel Organ on Brick Lane, 2001

Local resident and musician Michael Myers plays a Barrel Organ during the 2001 Mela. Barrel Organs were a regular feature on Brick Lane and Bethnal Green Road up until the late 1940’s. They were even used to help campaign to raise money for the fight against fascism during the Spanish Civil War.