Blitz on Eastern Grocers
This week has been very special. My 40 year retrospective ‘went well’ according to everyone I’ve spoken to. The only difficulty I have with openings is that you don’t really get a chance to speak with old friends – some of whom have travelled quite a distance to see you. There were some delightful students who came and interviewed me about photography etc. I enjoy being contacted and interviewed by students; I hope they find the process as engaging as I do. The Gentle Author of Spitalfields life attempted to introduce me to another photographer: Colin O’Brien; we both like each others work but didn’t get a chance to talk. Still ‘Spitalfields Life’ is on my case and I’ve been told a meeting is imminent. I look forward it.
Eastern Grocers. Hanbury Street. London 1985
In terms of this week being special I went on two shoots and even walked around Spitalfields on my own (this was my first solo excursion into the world for over a year). After a shoot filming the brilliant Mural commemorating the battle of Cable Street I ended up staring at the grocers shop (above) which has now changed (below) a little. We share a jib with another filmmaker whose studio is opposite the grocers that became an Estate Agents, a Money Lender and finally (I might have missed something) BLITZ.
Blitz shop. Hanbury Street, London 2011
I am not sure what Blitz is or does. I intend to explore the place in a weeks time and report back ……
Many thanks to Andrew Grainger for all the photographs below.
Hazuan Hashim & Phil Maxwell. Opening of '40 years On'. Bishopsgate Institute, London 2011
Phil, Robson & Hazuan. Bishopsgate Institute London 2011
Hi Phil – would have loved more time to talk and hope to see you another time when everything is a bit calmer. Look at your pictures all the time. Love Sue xx
Hi Phil,
Glad to get to see your Exhibition and hear your speech.I do miss a bit of fighting talk – hope to see you again soon. Pictures are super as always.
Love Lindax
My dad owned Eastern Grocers. It was lovely to come across this photo. Thank you.
Hi Phil, Eastern Grocers (back then) is owned by my father and I didn’t have a photo until I stumbled upon the one above. Blitz is actually the wrong building. It is now Victorstone and I believe Blitz is the neighbouring shop. Thank you very much for the photo it has brought back a lot of memories for my family. Cheers Phil!