The Dalston Project Exhibition Launches in WW2 Bunker

The eagerly anticipated Dalston Project, an exhibition aimed to discover the true folk of Dalston, launches this week.

The free exhibiton, which takes places in a pitch black World War II bunker in the heart of Dalston, will take a close look at the pillars of the Dalston community and their stories, from the Ridley Road trader to the Reverend.

Dalston is known for being a hub for creatives, but organiser Matt Franks wanted to take a closer look at the "ordinary folk"; the people who live and work in Dalston and what role they bring to the community.  

As his blog reads: "These aren't the movers and shakers, they are the ones who feed, water, clothe and entertain the movers and shakers. And we wanted to tell their story. They make up the Dalston community."

The bunker, in Ashwin Street behind the Print House, will be filled with candles and visitors will be given a torch in order to view all the exhibits, who have been photographed by Nick Aldridge and interviewed about their experiences of living and trading in Dalston.

Matt also wants people to discover for themselves a new side to the area. He told the Hackney Citizen: “A lot of people from outside of Hackney look down on Dalston in particular. We decided that we wanted to do something about it and showcase how diverse and rich that community is.”

To get a taste for what the show is about, read the Dalston Project blog here, and follow them on Twitter.

The Dalston Project

The Bunker (entry behind The Print House)

18 Ashwin Street

London E8 3DL

12 – 8pm

Wednesday 14 – Sunday 25 July 2010 (not 19 and 20)

Free entry