This body of work which combines the three billboards on High Road Leytonstone, together with twenty venues, is now up!
Thank you to Jenny Leighton & Kehinde Okundalaiye from Waltham Forest Council for your support, collaboration and for championing my work.
Photography & accompanying text by Meg Khan © 2024
Many thanks to Waltham Forest Council, Network Rail, Funded by Uk Government and the team at Leytonstone Arts Trail.
I would also like to thank Andreea Dima from @afirstpiece for the incredible collaboration.
Located on High Road Leytonstone, under the railway bridge.
Twenty businesses, council representatives and a local Cllr attended the unveiling event on Saturday 13th July.
I would like to thank the amazing team at Matt Cup Coffee Roastery for your support and for hosting the event.
As an area filled with such entrepreneurial spirit, friendship, dedication and a commitment to serving the same community, a common thread ties each of the twenty businesses and organisations featured in this commission by Seen the Stories, together.
To celebrate the magic of being seen, collage artist Andreea Dima from @afirstpiece has created the work, SEEN for the third billboard. Featuring just some of the hundreds of individuals from the past four years, this piece highlights the essence of Seen the Stories.
I would like to thank Andreea Dima for collaborating on this project and creating a piece which illuminates what Seen the Stories is based on.
Find out more about Andreea's work @afirstpiece on Instagram.
This work includes people from across London who have featured on Seen the Stories since the summer of 2020.
Do you recognise anyone?
Dog's Dinner - Leytonstone Stories 01/20
Aysen, perfectly placed between her two sisters, lived her life through a commitment to doing things well. Through her love for art and an innate creativity, evolved a successful career as a chef running renowned kitchens across London. Her courageous nature propelled her into an abundance of challenges, and through each, she remained only herself. From the Scottish Highlands, over twenty years ago, Aysen found her way back to London, her precious canine in toe, coupled with a dedication to animals that words couldn't express. And so, Dog's Dinner became her new love.
The years that followed stand as a testament to a woman who committed her heart, her energy and beautifully so, her life, to what has become an integral part of Leytonstone. For Aysen and now her incredible sisters, Emel and Perin, Dog’s Dinner is a space which offers warmth and connection for anyone within the community. Ayden’s loving sisters endeavour to keep her light shining for years to come.
Raw Canvas - Leytonstone Stories 02/20
Where precision, knowledge and eclectic design come together, that's where you will find Aaron.
For some, art and creativity stems from deep inside them. From the earliest stages of life, Aaron gravitated towards all things creative and following over a twenty year career working within editorial graphic design, he finally listened to the quiet voice inside him. One that encouraged him to create for himself within his studio that sat opposite his home, a space he hadn't had the chance to experience to its full potential. And so, within a short period of time, Raw Canvas established itself at Good Shepherd Studios and Aaron, as a real connector of people, ideas and projects.
Hooksmith Press - Leytonstone Stories 03/20
Turning the pages of a book filled with vivid descriptions of a place like no other, Russell's father decided to pack up life in London and take the six week voyage across the sea. Arriving as a baby, life began within the heavenly landscape of Nelson Lakes National Park in New Zealand for young Russell. As he reminisces of his childhood amongst real beauty, resources and captivating experiences, I can see how those very lakes carved such creativity into the man sitting in front of me. His desire to learn, to understand the rhythm of the lakes, to refine his ability to fish, to listen and witness how nature evolves, through it all, this craftsman, this true maker, evolved.
Russell's love of typography and the written word, synchronize beautifully with the collections he has gathered over the many years. The bank of memories and the skills that lie in his very hands, are the sum of all he creates.
Homies on Donkeys - Leytonstone Stories 04/20
Music, art, design, culture, courage, passion, friendship, love, and a raw abundance of working hard to refine one's craft, fills each and every dish at Homies on Donkeys. The talented duo, Sandra and Smokey, are the epitome of what happens when you commit and then leap to the beat of your craft. What began in a tiny space in Wood Street Market, Walthamstow, quickly created a firm following that spanned hours of queues and recognition within the culinary world.
Smokey, as a musician, chef and artist, harnesses his natural ability to delve deep into the understanding of all aspects of his craft. Sandra, through her ability to communicate and strategise, unearths the finer parts of how a business can continually prosper. Together, through sheer dedication and a commitment to creating food they would want to eat, Homies on Donkeys illuminates the High Road.
Back to Ours - Leytonstone Stories 05/20
Tim is a quintessential creative. One that can be given any brief and will bring to existence something rather rare. A career highlighting this very ability, together with a home build that has captivated thousands over years and more recently, constructing a second home. Back to Ours, a name that again emphasises such imagination but also one that truly explains what you will find along Davis Lane, nestled amongst a community centre, gardens and Good Shepherd studios, is that feeling of arriving at a friend's place.
Living a stone's throw away, Tim and his similarly creative partner, wanted to expand their love for this community when taking on this space. Piecing together all the elements of not only great coffee and food, they have also contributed to the numerous facets of what makes a community truly connected.
Matt Cup Coffee Roastery - Leytonstone Stories 06/20
I recall visiting Matt Cup for the first time. The incredible coffee and the personalities serving it, made for something special. Meeting Emrah one Sunday morning, I was able learn of the many stories that make up this one. Istanbul is where life started for Emrah, those early years filled with uncertainty, whilst also, a growing love for music, motorbikes and a need for the open road. With no plans of attending university, it was through a friend's encouragement that Emrah applied for and won a place at a prestigious institution for music and went on to play with numerous recognised musicians. Years later he decided to not only fulfil a dream of his mum's but also harness his other love for coffee. And his shop was opened.
Yet Emrah’s adventurous spirit encouraged him to take a leap and with only money from the sale of his prized motorbike, he arrived in London. Matt Cup Coffee Roastery is exactly that, a place where Emrah lovingly roasts his own beans, and develops an appreciation for making and serving that rather special coffee alongside his friends.
Manifest Salon - Leytonstone Stories 07/20
Meet Andrei, when actions speak louder than words. When incremental moments of learning, progress and brilliance become your language. When this young man, who began his craft even younger, says he will succeed, believe him.
Meet Vlad, from Italy to London, from a spark of interest, to doing all he can to develop his art, from an idea, to his business, Vlad is the quintessential entrepreneur; a maker of his own path.
Together, they are Manifest Salon.
Stone Mini Market - Leytonstone Stories 08/20
The beginnings of any business, stem from an idea. They derive from an individual with the vision, courage and hunger to create something from scratch, piece by piece. Okan started his business with a small amount of money in a premises a little further down the High Road. Through a slow, gradual process of selling some stock, replenishing items and then repeating that process again and again, Okan began to see the intensities of the challenges he had to face, bearing fruit. Moving to the location where Stone Mini Market now proudly sits, his trusted wife and business partner, Andrienne, stood alongside Okan in building each element of this extraordinary place.
With numerous accolades, being voted the most loved independent store in London and a community that has wrapped itself around the heart of this store, their unity is a tangible feeling, felt in every corner of Stone Mini Market.
Furniture Island - Leytonstone Stories 09/20
If the walls of this shop could speak, they would illuminate the story of Hajra’s sheer resilience, strength and dedication to her family. Spanning over thirty years, she has served the community of Leytonstone, first as a dry cleaners, which evolved to alterations, dressmaking, to then supporting her son in launching his furniture business. Nestled at the back of the store, I witnessed a flurry of smiling customers walk through to see her, followed by conversation and laughter and each leaving wishing Waseem a good day. The heart of this business is this warm, wonderful woman who has established roots here and now, it has taken a new direction through her charismatic, entrepreneurial son.
Waseem has seen much success through a first career which required the resilience and commitment he learnt from his mum. Developing a successful online furniture business, he places himself, beside his mum, with a view to continue this journey for years to come, together.
Mind Charity Shop - Leytonstone Stories 10/20
The support this Mind Charity shop offers the community of Leytonstone, comes in many forms. From contributing towards services provided to a range of people and their needs, together with online support and resources aplenty. With a current group of over eighteen volunteers, this shop also importantly offers opportunities to those who wish to better themselves.
Pauline, now an assistant manager, began life at Mind as a volunteer herself through her need to rejoin the community after spending much time caring for her mother. Through a courageous desire to discover who she wanted to be at this phase in her life, Pauline and her incredible work ethic, shone very bright amongst her colleagues. Asking her what she loves most about working here, she smiles and with such ease shares, ‘Witnessing someone blossom into themselves again.’
Bushwood Framed - Leytonstone Stories 11/20
Ask this man to make and he will find a way.
He will watch, listen, absorb the intricacy of that skill and then, adopt that very craft.
Simon, the younger of twins, naturally asserted a charisma that demanded the attention of those around him. His natural wit and sense of humour helped him find his place in any setting. Through the influence of his father, a well-known chef, Simon left London to take on an apprenticeship in a kitchen miles away from home. This experience, coined as some of the best years of his life, gave him the grounding to hone his skills and go on to also work in renowned kitchens. Once ready to discover a new craft and now a newly married man, Simon worked in the floristry business. With another successful career under his belt and through a desire to continue a business in his late friend's honour, Bushwood Framed was born. Explaining the age-old techniques and machinery he uses, together with the detail and love for hearing the stories of the very items he frames, Simon's smile emphasises it all.
San Marino - Leytonstone Stories 12/20
For Kemal, bravery, natural entrepreneurial spirit and a tireless work ethic, came in the form of his mother. With roots in Turkey and guided by an unshakeable will to offer her family greater opportunities, she set sights on Europe. Travelling to Germany and then London, with only her young daughter beside her, this fine example of courage laid the foundations ready for Kemal and the rest of the family. Following years of running their own businesses in Turkey, Kemal's parents, through sheer hard work, took on their first business in Stoke Newington. Discovering San Marino, a business established and ran by a family who were now ready to pass over the reins to another, Kemal and his family took over.
More than twenty five years later, Kemal shares his experience of witnessing his customers, who are now like kin, grow and the generations evolve. On the High Road, the door to this family's home, is always open to all.
The North Star pub - Leytonstone Stories 13/20
Sat with Kevin in what feels like his natural habitat, he shares the story of this iconic, much-loved pub.
The North Star began life as two cottages, sitting beside each other housing numerous families over many, many years. It seems fitting that now as a pub, you enter the front door where joyous banter and friendly chatter occupy every corner. Then into the living room where groups of people sit, enjoying the authentic, incredible Thai food by the talent that is Preeya, together with Papi's Munchies’ pizzas, all in tune with the flurry of conversation and laughter.
Nestled in the middle of Browning Road, Bushwood, its uniqueness to London is unmissable. The feeling of knowing your neighbour next door and the many doors following, wonderfully coupled with a welcoming feeling evident both in and outside the North Star on a daily basis.
Kevin, finding that quiet moment where he can people watch, loves that he is able to live, work and build friendships all in one place.
Papi's Munchies - Leytonstone Stories 14/20
Three talented, curious and adventurous young individuals, left their homes in Italy, Spain and Portugal, ready to see what London had to offer. Through a little serendipity and kindred spirits, they met in London and became firm friends. Marcos, Agustin and Simona are the magnificent team behind the place for pizza in Leytonstone; Papi's Munchies. During the lockdown, an idea to create from within a little pop-up kitchen in the home they also share, their community, unlike any they have experienced in London, started purchasing their beautiful, authentic pizzas.
What began with distributing a few pizzas, quickly became repeated knocks on the door and a growing love for what the Papi's Munchies' team were cooking up. This evoked curiosity and then, an offer to have their own kitchen within the North Star pub, by the gem that is, Kevin.
The food created back there is homage to these three individuals, their experiences, skillset and an incredible friendship.
Geek Cafe - Leytonstone Stories 15/20
Walking into the Geek cafe your vista soon becomes laptops, screens, gadgets and yet, amongst it all, are the smiling faces of all those who are part of this wonderful community. Abdul, with his proficient IT skills and exemplary knowledge, began a business repairing and restoring computers. Speaking to the two closest members of the CIC established at the Geek Cafe, Penny and Madhu, I learn that Abdul has also restored the hearts and lives of so many. His faith as his guiding star, coupled with a sincere desire to be of service, I can see the impact he has had on all those I spoke to on this afternoon.
Penny and Madhu, with such enthusiasm, announce that there will be more free computer lessons this year, groups walks, afternoon teas and they have plans for so much more.
With a promise to visit again, I leave with such a warm feeling in my heart.
Theydons - Leytonstone Stories 16/20
Over forty years ago Alec Peduto opened Theydons and became one of the first agents in Leytonstone.
He was also one of the original agents who combined both sales and lettings. Alec not only paved his own way but his heart led the course of direction. Over the years, Alec and his family have developed long standing partnerships with a number of local schools. Such partnerships of varying scale and contribution have supported the learning of young people across Leytonstone. Similarly, as the family has grown and become part of the business, their community work has also evolved too, together with the ways in which they find unique ways to elevate talent and expertises of local people.
And so, meet James Ball. Young, fresh faced, eager to learn and to wear a suit, James met Alec at 17 years old looking to enter the property business. Seeing something in this young man, Alec gave him the opportunity but as James explains, also welcomed him into the family.
So much so, he can also be the face of the business.
Luna - Leytonstone Stories 17/20
It was through the love of the unmatchable experience, thrill and connection that comes from live music, that Luna came to Leytonstone. Over twenty years later, Luna has always remained true to bringing live music, from all genres, cultures and a rich mix of musicians to this community.
Speaking to Jack a manager, together with a creative and musician himself, shares his love for this place and importantly, for what Declan continues to create here. As a family unit and a welcoming hub for any musician, people gravitate towards the support, collaborative ethos and a desire to embrace music from all over the world.
Throughout the day and night, there is always a beat to catch as you walk past and incredible performances to experience, when you step into Luna.
Mario's - Leytonstone Stories 18/20
The story of this original, nostalgia inducing, cornerstone of the community, spans over forty five years. Costa, sat opposite his career officer, sparked an idea in his mind that he could join his father's business by learning his craft. Soon after, he found himself alongside his father, fine tuning the details of his apprenticeship at his dad's salon, Mario's. Through maybe a little luck, as Costa describes, he managed to secure a place at London School of Fashion. Now for the first time possibly, his appetite to learn was awoken and from his father, he developed his own craft. Starting his career beside the main shop window, as the youngest member of the team, Costa remains working from that very chair whilst running Mario’s for over twenty years.
Forging long standing relationships with so many within this community and watching numerous families on Davies Lane grow, his love for people is of most value to Costa.
Fitness Hub East London - Leytonstone Stories 19/20
Welcome to the Fitness Hub, here you will find the heart of a man who brings wellness, health and goodness to this community. As a trained physio himself, supporting a range of professional footballers and sportspeople for many years, George wanted to create a hub based in the centre of the High Road and establish a team of experts to serve the people of Leytonstone.
Through sheer grit and hard work with his own bare hands, George has built something very special.
Each element of this space is meticulously considered, every service designed to the highest standard and always with the intention to offer a positive experience for everyone.
From inside and out, Fitness Hub exudes the very essence of wellness, health and goodness, all under one roof.
George's Cafe - Leytonstone Stories 20/20
From a village in Italy, Antonio's parents travelled to London. His father, brave and ready to take on the challenge, began learning English. His mum, quietly determined, would find her way across this new city through an ability to memorise her journeys. In 1983 George's cafe opened its doors to the community and quickly, through relentless hard work, established itself. Antonio learnt by watching his mum cook and giving her all for the family. His father, a much loved personality, managed the business from the other side of the kitchen. At the heart of his parents was always their family. Sharing wonderful memories of everyone jumping into the van and travelling to Italy each year, Antonio relishes his dad's desire to prioritise family. Growing up in Essex, Sarah met Antonio and that spark has turned into a marriage edging over twenty five years.
Through all Antonio and Sarah Bibbo shared with me that Saturday afternoon, the warmth of family, the love of their parents and serving their community, shone so bright.