A New Art Piece Celebrating 50 Years

Camden Market is a place with creativity at its heart, so to mark our 50th birthday, it felt only right that we commission a one-of-a-kind mural, reflecting our vibrant past, present and future. We are so excited to unveil this brand new artwork, completed on 16th May 2024 and inspired by the five decades of the market; from its humble beginnings as 16 stalls by the Regent’s Canal, to the destination it is today. 

When it came to picking the right person for the job, we knew we needed someone who had a real, personal bond with Camden. Through a partnership with Build Hollywood, creative street advertising specialists,  we got in touch with renowned artist David Shillinglaw, who responded to our brief by describing happy times spend in the market growing up, living nearby and hanging out in Camden as a teen.

From initial sketches to the final piece, we have seen the Camden Market narrative transformed into a series of colourful symbols and forms, each representing a specific moment that has become part the fabric of the market as we know it today. Iconic parts of the market as mixed fragments of David’s Camden experiences – including his pet snake that was fed on food from a Camden pet store. 

We also worked with Build Hollywood to bring three local emerging artists on board; Aaran Sian, Phoebe Swan and Robert Sae Heng. With windows into each emerging artists style, the mural shows Camden as seen through multiple perspectives, honouring the history, music, landmarks and people that have been part of our story since the very beginning.

Visit the mural, in The Quay Arch in Hawley Wharf (next to 3 Locks Brewery) until the end of the year.