Brick Lane Books: From Market Stall to East End Staple
Long before Brick Lane became a destination for food tours and vintage shops, it was home to one of the few grassroots bookshops in East London. Brick Lane Books, now a mainstay on the street, began in the 1970s with a simple idea: people in the East End read, and they deserved a place to buy books.
A DIY Beginning
With no bookshop in Tower Hamlets at the time, a group of locals set up a stall in Whitechapel Market—selling proof copies from Penguin and local history publications from THAP and Centerprise. It was low-budget and volunteer-led, but it worked. A second stall followed at the 1976 ‘Big Show’, and from there, plans began for a permanent space.
Into Brick Lane
As demand grew, so did the shop. Brick Lane Books moved into a fixed location and became a meeting point for writers, artists and readers in the area. It built a reputation for thoughtful curation and a community-first mindset—and it's kept both.
A Focus on Representation
The shop’s events and outreach reflect its wider values. Book launches, panel discussions and workshops feature a wide range of authors, especially underrepresented voices. Its long-standing emphasis on BAME literature, local engagement, and partnerships with schools and libraries makes it more than just a shop—it’s part of the East End’s literary infrastructure.
In Print
I’ve captured Brick Lane Books in an illustrated print, available in my shop. It’s part of my East London series, highlighting everyday cultural landmarks. Ideal for book lovers or anyone with a soft spot for the East End.
