These Arresting Black And White Photos Depict Life In Hackney In The 70s And 80s

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Ridley Road Market, 1981

Saying ‘Hackney’s changed a lot in the past 50 years’ is a bit like stating ‘water is wet’.

It’s common knowledge that the western edge of the East End looks unrecognisable to how it once did. Yet these photos from Neil Martinson who grew up in the area really hammer home the changes.

He’s collected his old pictures of Hackney in a new book, Hackney Archive: Work and Life 1971-1985, published by Hoxton Mini Press, out now. Take a look at some of our favourite photos from the book below.

Rachel Point, Nightingale Estate, 1974

Shacklewell Lane, 1981

Graham Road, 1971

Giorgi’s Cafe, Bethnal Green Road, 1971

Stamford Hill, 1981

River Lea, 1971

Ridley Road Market, 1981