
Brick Lane Books: From Market Stall to East End Staple
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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.
Explore all my London art prints here.
Let customers speak for us
from 168 reviewsBought as a gift for son who lives in Peckham - he loved it
I had lived in Greenwich for 40 years having been born in the town. I will be moving home shortly and was looking for something to add to my new home to remind me of my home town. I've visited Goddards many times over the years and so when I saw this print it was a must have. It will be displayed prominently in my new home. The artist has perfectly captured the site and every time I look at it I will be reminded of home. Very colourful.
I saw the print in Gordon's Wine Bar, and loved it. It is absolutely perfect. Arrived in a hardback envelop, in perfect condition and as per time scales on the website.
Absolutely love this - Very accommodating as requested this as my father owned the shop for years - saw previous prints and asked artist if they would draw my father's shop - Fabulous !!!!!!
What a beautiful picture, we love it. We would give it more than 5 stars if we could. The website, ordering and delivery were all very easy and hassle-free too. Would thoroughly recommend these pictures to everyone. Thank you.
Absolutely loved my print of the iconic Maggie's Cafe!
Love this. So many happy memories of visiting this shop and chatting to the owner. So now I have a permanent memory of happy times. Thank you. Beautiful print. Cheers.
Delighted with my print! Would recommend.
Went down really well as a present!
Pie and Mash Classics Art Print, South London
Beigel Bake Bakery Art Print, Brick Lane, East London
Will look great on my wall!
Love these cards and delivery was prompt.
I bought this as a birthday present for my husband and he loves it! It's really nice quality and the colours are really vibrant. It looks great in a frame. The shipping was also really fast considering it came all the way to New Zealand! Thank you so much!
Beautiful, I got it for my dad and it fits so well!