The Takeaway Shop

‘Those with well-cushioned sensibilities need not make the journey,’ said a New York Times travel article about the vibrant and long ‘up and coming’ south-east London neighbourhood of Deptford. Two years since the review was originally published (under the title ‘A Trip to the Edge’) and things really seem to be changing in this rough-around-the-edges district, for better or for worse. Oversized blocks of shiny ‘luxury’ flats are encroaching upon its skyline and delis selling fine pastries are popping up along its boisterous high street.

Well aware of Deptford’s shifting status, artist Amy Lord has set up a community-spirited art project in a local shop-front gallery, which aims to plumb the area’s rich history. The Takeaway Shop invites people to share hundreds of historical photos and stories that she has gathered about the area, and to make their own take-home archive.

As a local, I am excited to find out more. Invited into the hushed shop-front, tucked away from the main drag, Amy first shows a group of us how make a simple book. Then we get to choose from folders of endlessly fascinating photos and facts about the ‘hood, to cut out and stick onto the pages.

As well as old views of my everyday haunts I choose a daily menu of the area’s workhouse in 1831 (heavily featuring ‘peas soup’ and ‘milk pottage’), and the story of Olaudah Equiano, a slave-come-abolitionist who once arrived at the docks in Deptford to be freed, only to be quickly sold back into slavery.

The area has long been associated with the arts, and I am struck by an image of a Goldsmiths life modelling class from around 1900, in which students wearing waistcoats and bow ties create precise anatomical sculptures. It’s a far cry from the rebellious posturing associated with the Damian Hurst generation, as is Amy’s quiet, thoughtful project.

The best thing about The Takeaway Shop is that the archive is alive – not only can you make your own book, but you are also encouraged to share your experiences of the area. Those around me at the bookmaking table talk about their personal knowledge and fondness for the neighbourhood, and a corner of the gallery is dedicated to people’s own photos of Deptford today.

‘I think it’s important to know the area you live in, its history, what came before it, and who lives here now,’ Amy says of her motivation for creating the project. This seems especially important now things are changing. Lets hope that in Deptford’s intrepid future we don’t not lose sight of its colourful past.

From January 20-27 The Takeaway Shop will be at:

82 Tanners Hill
Deptford
SE8 4PN