Lucinda Rogers captures the changing landscape of London for House of Illustration


The House of Illustration has commissioned artist Lucinda Rogers for a new exhibition which documents the changing landscapes of London.


The House of Illustration has commissioned artist Lucinda Rogers for a new exhibition which documents the changing landscapes of London. Opened on the 28th October, the series of large-scale drawings captures the gentrification of Dalston and explores the tension between local communities and property developers – giving a microcosmic look at an issue that has been felt by communities all over London.

As the UK’s only public gallery and education space that is dedicated to illustration and graphic arts, House of Illustration has the unique ability to draw on the talent of professional artists for their learning programme, keeping the discussion surrounding the medium of illustration alive and thriving. In regards to the latest commission, On Gentrification, and Rogers’ work, House of Illustration director Colin McKenzie said, “We are delighted to commission a body of work from Lucinda Rogers that champions the art form as a critical medium for debate around the most pressing issue affecting London today.”

Living in London but frequently drawing in New York and Marrakech, Rogers immerses herself in urban environments and is a passionate campaigner on development; the On Gentrification exhibition brings two elements of her work together for the first time. With particular concern for shared spaces, Rogers draws straight from eye to paper in the tradition of artist-as-reporter. For this exhibition she spent months documenting Ridley Road Market, which has been operating since the 1880s and is one of London’s oldest east-end institutions.

Markets such as Ridley Road are often the only way that small businesses can start up, becoming a unique reflection of the diverse communities that they serve. Rogers mentions that her drawings are “about recording things that happen around the edges of everyday life and how our surroundings are changing.” Within On Gentrification, Rogers has managed to capture the distinctive traits of Ridley Road Market and its residents, as well as simultaneously drawing the luxury apartment block being built next door. The images create a striking juxtaposition between culture and development, offering a poignant look into the subtler nuances of the city.








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