PHIL MAXWELL

Lady walking under Brick Lane bridge, 1986

The bridge that spans Brick Lane now carries the crossrail line after many years of redundancy. This lady photographed pulling a shopping trolley looks quite majestic. Her imposing figure transcends the busy surroundings of the bridge.

Brick Lane bridge, 2002

Brick Lane also spans the main railway line into Liverpool street station. The splendid iron bridge over this artery has hosted thousands of fly posters that have changed on a weekly basis. I’ve always regarded this part of the lane as quite special because of the dominance of the tall iron surrounds and absence of buildings. The neatly sectioned compartments of the bridge have proved to be a natural resting place for posters of all kinds. Attempts to remove this organic free gallery have added to its appeal as different images and words end up colliding with each other to produce accidental collage of the highest order.

Posters urging support for the miners strike, 1984

As well as being a visual thermometer of events and music away from the mainstream it has proved itself as a welcome resting place for agitprop.

Brick Lane 2008

Brick Lane 2009

Outside the beigal shop, Brick Lane 2008