In September 2016, I began a project creating photographic mashups that overlay historical images onto the present-day streetscape of Stoke Newington. This ongoing project aims to blur the boundaries between past and present, enabling viewers to see exactly where and how certain buildings or landmarks once stood within today’s urban environment. By merging old and new images, these mashups offer a unique way to contextualise historical photographs, making it easier to place them within the evolving fabric of the area.

Stoke Newington’s streets have undergone significant changes over time, including the Victorian housing boom of the 1860s–90s, housing redevelopments in the 1930s, 1960s, and 1970s, as well as post-war reconstruction following WW2 bomb damage. The 20th-century transformations, including road widening in the 1920s and 1930s, often resulted in the erasure of entire blocks of Victorian and earlier structures. For many, these changes make it challenging to locate or imagine the exact spots depicted in old photographs.

The mashups serve as a visual bridge, allowing viewers to explore Stoke Newington’s rich history directly within its contemporary setting. They highlight the layers of change that have shaped the area while inviting people to reflect on the stories embedded in its streets. 

In the Media

Since its launch, the project has garnered significant attention and interest, with features across various media platforms, including a BBC London News segment exploring the mashups, an in-depth interview in the London Live TV studio, and a dedicated article in the Evening Standard. These appearances highlight the project’s impact in bringing Stoke Newington’s history to life and creatively connecting past and present.

BBC London News (July 2018)

London Live (February 2017)

Evening Standard (October 2016)

An article in the Evening Standard about the project: “25 brilliant photographs that show Stoke Newington then and now”

‘Echoes of the Past’ Exhibition

In the summer of 2017 Rebecca Odell from Hackney Museum and I discussed the idea of turning some of the mash-up photos into an exhibition in the Hackney Museum and 15 images were selected and printed. The exhibition was titled ‘Echoes of the Past’. It was first displayed in the Hackney Museum, then is moved to the Hackney Archives and it is now on display in the Stoke Newington Public Library.

The Exhibition on Display in the Hackney Museum (July 2017)

The Exhibition on Display in the Hackney Archives (January 2018)

 The Exhibition on Display in the Stoke Newington Public Library (April 2018 – Present)