Little Shops

The Little Shops project works with local, independent shop-keepers and small businesses in Maryland, Forest Gate, and Manor Park. It celebrates stories, locality and entrepreneurialism in Newham.

Eight shop-owners have been captured in their workplaces, using the latest 360-degree photography, allowing you to visually navigate your way around the shop interiors, while simultaneously listening to their audio-stories.

These shop-keepers exemplify the entrepreneurial drive and spirit of Newham by utilising the smallest of physical spaces to serve the needs of our diverse community.

From the four square-metre African grocery store with exotic foods piled to the ceiling, to the gymnastic homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s early body-building years in Forest Gate, the shop displays and the stories behind them bring fascination and a few surprises.

In an age of increasing homogeneity where most British high streets are dominated by the same corporate brands, one thing all these shops share in common is their independence from big chains as they seek to serve the uniquely varied communities of Newham.

The Little Shops project was created and delivered by social-engagement artist Rayna Nadeem. Photographs by Stuart Shahid Bamforth. This is a Dekko Productions project.

(Please click on the images to hear the story and scroll around the photo whilst using your mouse)
Sadly, Nooks at Maryland is now permanently closed.

Comfort

Connie & Sons
Forest Gate