27 AUGUST, LONDON – An immersive photography exhibition focusing on the Krays and their legacy launched today in the heart of London’s East End, to coincide with the release of LEGEND in UK cinemas on September 9th.
Bringing the legend to life in the heart of the notorious twins’ manor, LEGEND OF THE EAST END features the personal and intimate photography of Don McCullin, Brian Duffy, Steven Berkoff, and Jocelyn Bain Hogg, exhibited together in the East End for the very first time.
The exhibition is open for two weeks on Bethnal Green Road and also features suits worn by Ronnie Kray and original props from the new film, in which Tom Hardy stars as both Reggie and Ronnie Kray, bringing to life their notoriety in London in the 1960’s.
What defines the East End’s unique character and spirit, and why have its streets and residents long captured the public imagination? With the East End now a place where creativity, commerce and enterprise mix as the wealth of the city spreads eastwards, LEGEND OF THE EAST END offers a snapshot of a bygone era and invites everyone to explore the East End old and new.
Created by STUDIOCANAL and curated by respected photography expert and exhibition producer Zelda Cheatle, LEGEND OF THE EAST END brings together highly personal pieces that have captured in their own unique style the spirit of the East End from the 60s until present day with additional images supplied by Getty and the Museum of London.
The diverse collection of candid photographs brings to life the surrounding streets, paved with legend, where everyone has a story of The Firm and the Krays’ impact on the East End. Rarely seen images from Brian Duffy and Don McCullin capture a city awakening from the rubble of World War 2 with a real sense of life, where firm and family came first, while haunting recollections from Jocelyn Bain Hogg, exhibited in Europe for the first time, depict the life of The Firm and Reggie Kray’s funeral.
“The exhibition looks at the East End of the 60’s and 70’s, brought to life by the people who lived there, the photographers who captured everyday life, the undercurrents that continue to exist and importantly it reflects the poetry of the streets. Whether you are a visitor to the East End or a long time resident, there will be something to discover about this neighbourhood and maybe a new way of evaluating it.”
The exhibition also shines a light on the evolution of the East End which for many in the 60s seemed impervious and overlooked, even defiant to changes. The Kray’s East End around Bethnal Green Road and Shoreditch is now transformed into one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of London, but the Legend lives on.
Visitors will also be able to pick up a specially created map that celebrates THE LEGEND OF THE EAST END and will help everyone explore the old and new.
Visitlondon.com will also be supporting LEGEND OF THE EAST END with a dedicated site section featuring a downloadable version of the map, highlights for visitors to the area and related content around film tourism.
Immerse yourself in the Legend when you visit the LEGEND OF THE EAST END exhibition from 28th August.
LEGEND is released by STUDIOCANAL in UK cinemas on September 9th.
Breakdown of the Exhibition
- Iconic Photographers – East End and Krays in the 50s-60s
- Steven Berkoff
- Duffy
- Don McCullin
- Jocelyn Bain Hogg: The Firm – personal depictions of The Firm and Reggie Krays funeral, exhibited in Europe for the very first time
- Kray artefacts
- Original Ronnie Kray suits
- Childhood photos
- Kray’s living room recreated with wallpaper, sofas and tea
- William Lovelace Krays photo courtesy of Getty Images
- Legend: The Movie
- Photographic prints of film stills
- 15 minute featurette
- Film quotes
With thanks to:
- Bernstein & Banleys Ltd – The Lining Company, for the loan of Ronnie Kray’s suits
- Museum of London
- Getty Images
- Duffy Archive Ltd
LEGEND OF THE EAST END Visitor Information
Date: 28th August to 11th September
Location: 135 Bethnal Green Road
Opening times: Monday-Friday: 11.00 – 22.00, Saturday: 10.00 – 19.00, Sunday: 09.00 – 18.00
Admission: free
