The spirit of Shepherds Bush Market

I was recently commissioned by the newly launched Bush Bugle community newspaper to photograph some of the stallholders and shoppers at the legendary Shepherd’s Bush Market.

I’d never been there before, and I didn’t know what to expect. It was north of the river, for a start!

What I found was a glorious microcosm of humanity at its best.

More than 110 years old, the market has something for everyone - from fresh fruit and veg and hot food stalls to haberdashery and hardware. But it was the warmth of the people I stopped to chat to that felt special.

It reminded me how precious places like this are, and how at risk they now are. One regular market-goer commented, almost under her breath: “My mum and I always shop here, but it feels like the market is dying. It’s not like it used to be”.

It’s the same story in so many high streets and town centres as they battle with the shift to online shopping, the lingering fallout of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

There are plans to invest in Shepherd’s Bush market though, and redevelop the land. I hope this will keep the beating heart of Shepherd’s Bush going for many more decades.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these photos of my lovely sunny morning: