The 1980s London graffiti scene, not as organized or acclaimed as Banksy’s work, was largely a transient art form. Much of it, inspired by New York City street art, was erased or lost during urban development. Photographer Peter Marshall captured this era, offering a rare glimpse into the graffiti culture of that time through his photos.
Angel Alley, nestled between two shops on Whitechapel High Street, is home to Freedom Bookshop, a historic anarchist publisher founded in 1886. Despite attacks, including a notable arson in 2013, the shop continues to operate, selling works by influential figures like Peter Kropotkin.
The area has changed over time; the once-graffitied Fort St now features a solid fence and cleaned walls, but some landmarks like the fire station tower remain.
The case of George Davis, wrongly convicted in 1974 and later released, exemplifies the era’s tumult. His case, involving a framed robbery, sparked public outcry and protest actions, like graffiti campaigns and the infamous digging up of the Oval cricket pitch. Although his conviction was eventually overturned, Davis’s story reflects the complex social landscape of that time.