The Secret Garden

An oasis of beauty in an urban jungle

In amongst a run down housing estate in Stockwell, South London lies a hidden jewel. Attracting a host of international graffiti artists this once run down basket ball court has been transformed into a thing of beauty through the vision and dedication of the artists.

Known as the ‘Outside Gallery’ it has become a place of constant activity unknown to the majority of london. The bleak exterior of the walls offer no clues as to what is on offer on the inside. It is a visual feast of bright colours and dynamic shapes offering a breath of fresh air and a new lease of life to this old ball court.

"If a piece has taken only 20 minutes I know the artist's heart wasn't in it."

The standard of the estates very own gallery is immaculate with any tags and or sub-standard work being immediately painted over, “If a piece has taken only 20 minutes I know the artist's heart wasn't in it. If it's not good, the walls are better off plain.” Solo (the founder of the ‘Outside gallery) Galleries like this are not accidental, they require constant attention and care in essence they need a dedicated gardener as much as any other garden would.

The Stockwell estate is a perfect example of what a bit of vision and dedication can produce, turning a waste of space into something beautiful and inspirational. It could be said that it is one of London’s most vibrant and up and coming art galleries.