God’s Own Junkyard is classed as an art gallery. I know a lot of people to whom art gallery means a building with white walls and paintings simply because they never had a chance to experience a different kind of art. If you’re one of them, I hope these photos will encourage you to think wider. I don’t remember where or how I heard about God’s Own Junkyard, but it went straight to my ‘Places to visit 2k18’ list.
Have you ever watched a movie with a noticeable neon sign? I did, but I wouldn’t think much of what happens to it after. “When the film is rapped neons are discarded like yesterdays newspapers, unwanted, unloved” God’s Own Junkyard website explains and describes this East London’s warehouse as a place where neon signs are “repaired and resurrected, coupled with quirky art and powered up to shine like jewels of light.”Hidden well in the quiet neighborhood, it’s not something you can randomly discover. Luckily, we decided to visit it on Sunday, apparently, it’s open for public only on the weekends. No wonder why it’s such a popular location for video and fashion photoshoots – everything about this place is iconic. As the website says, the artist “has made, installed and collected signs that have appeared behind some of the greatest stars. Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut, Johnny Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jack Nicholson in Batman are just a few that have appeared alongside the collection”. And it’s not just the film props! Once you enter, it’s a different world. There are so many various neon signs and lights that everyone will find something they’ll like.You can read more about the history of God’s Own Junkyard here.
And if that’s not enough, they also have a lovely cafe, outside garden and little shop where you can buy adorable postcards.
Let me know your thoughts.
Gabriele Marija
Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London E17 9HQ. 10min walk from Walthamstow Central Station.
Gabriele Marija 