LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
At a time in which London is being constantly divided and renovated to appease the few, the importance of maintaining the positive side of London —its creativity, diversity, boldness and unwillingness to be constrained by labels — is clearer than ever. here we talk to some of the city’s most creative young locals, about their areas, favourite spots, what it was like to grow up in the capital, and the ways in which London affect what they do.
Lily-Jean Bridger
What’s your name? Lily-Jean Bridger. How old are you? I’m 22 years old. What do you do? Primarily modelling but I love learning all kinds of different trades and trying new things. I also love to read and write, poetry has always been a passion of mine. Right now, I’m attending evening theatre classes at RADA school of arts. A lot of my friends are musicians and DJs which I think is inspiring me to practice singing, and taking it further than my bathroom hopefully, at some point. Where in London are you from? I was born in South east London. Childhood memories of days spent in my local parks, Dulwich woods, cosy pubs, Brixton market and the Ritzy cinema. Favourite place in London? That’s hard. There’s so many. Probably, the lido outdoor pool in Brockwell Park. This Italian restaurant in Peckham. Columbia Road flower market and my friends skate shop, Brixton’s Baddest. What’s a memory you have growing up in London? Squat parties at 15. I remember climbing out of the window with bedsheets tied together when my dad locked me in so I couldn’t go out. And yes, miraculously I made it out in one piece and to the party. Does London inspire you creatively? Yes, I feel especially inspired by all of the creative friends I have around me. A lot of new music is emerging from young people in south London which is exciting to watch and be a part of. London is a unique city with so many scenes and lots of driven people who may not know each other but are not afraid to collaborate with each other. I have met and stayed close with a lot of talented photographers, for example, Vicky Grout and Dean Martindale, because we did not hold back on running around London and shooting. What’s the best thing about London? I don’t quite know what it is. Although what I can say is that whenever I’m away from London for a while, either for work or vacation, when I’m returning I’m always excited about the prospect of being back. Like myself, I think many would agree that they get the itch.
Jordan Vickors
What’s your name? Jordan Vickors. How old are you? 23. What do you do? I’m a creative consultant. Where in London are you from? I’m from Ampthill in Bedfordshire, but I’ve been living in London since I was 17. I’m now situated in Camden. Favourite place in London? Soho. What’s a memory you have growing up in London? My first real memory of London was attending Notting Hill Carnival and being taken aback by the energy of the community. Does London inspire you creatively? My friends, conversations and images inspire me the most. London’s just a place in which I execute some of these ideas. What’s the best thing about London? I know how the city works.
Miraa May
What’s your name? Miraa May. How old are you? I’m 22. What do you do? I write and sing songs, and play a variety of instruments. Where in London are you from? Tottenham, North London. Favourite place in London? It changes from time to time...one of my favourite places at the moment is the Loading Bar in Dalston... you can get really cool cocktails and play games all night. What’s a memory you have growing up in London? Probably going to school and the after school antics. During school time it was so wild, so many funny yet crazy things happened. I went to Hornsey school for girls and I remember after school used to be so fun with all my friends. Everyone would go get chicken and chips walk home singing our favourite songs and stuff. My school gave me so many funny memories. Does London inspire you creatively? In many ways yes, because London is so diverse and you meet a variety of people from different walks of life. Its a beautiful city, but I just wish it was hotter lol. What’s the best thing about London? I think it’s the opportunity you have when you come from London. It being such a multicultural city, The creative scene is thriving and I don’t think every country has that luxury. You can really make your dreams come true if you work hard here.
Photography Meara Kallista-Morse, Ted Leanse, Serene Power