tom oliver payne

East London's Fredd Wigg and John Walsh Towers by Tom Oliver Payne

Often a city's ugliest buildings are its most controversial.

The Fred Wigg and John Walsh Towers in London’s were loaded up with missile launchers during the London olympics - making the tenants inside a potential target. Now, at the forefront of the gentrifying east end, it’s likely that the towers will soon be demolished and redeveloped. The tenants, however, still don't know how long until they will be 'decanted'.

The speed at which this city changes constantly amazes me - but unfortunately - affordable housing tenants are too often left in limbo during the development process. I'd love to see these buildings recreated into something beautiful. I'd also love to see space made for existing tenants who have spent decades building a life within the community.

Either way, it looks like these buildings will soon be cleared from London's landscape, or - at least - remade into something new. I made the images below to document their place within amongst the skyline before they're no more.

Tom_Oliver_Payne_FWJW-1.jpg
Tom_Oliver_Payne_FWJW-4.jpg
Tom_Oliver_Payne_FWJW-3.jpg
Tom_Oliver_Payne_FWJW-2.jpg

INSTAGRAM

Demolition has begun: photos from Robin Hood Gardens by Tom Oliver Payne

Despite years of campaigning from heritage groups and architects, the bulldozers have now moved in. The demolition of Robin Hood Gardens is now well underway. The western block is now in partial ruins. The eastern block is still occupied and is set to be razed in the new year. 

Read More

SMH Article: What Sydney can learn from London's approach to brutalist architecture by Tom Oliver Payne

"Sirius, just like Trellick, Balfron and the Barbican in London, illustrates important aspects of the nation's social and cultural history."Last week I had an opinion piece published in the Sydney Morning Herald on brutalist architecture in Sydney and London. 

Read More

From screen to street: the photography project putting imagery in the public eye by Tom Oliver Payne

Photographer Nicholas Gascoine spent his mid 20's in New York City. There, he would work alongside some of the most prominent fashion photographers, often flying to exotic locations. Re-establishing himself back in the sunny country, Nick has embarked upon a new project in a move to take photography away from the private sphere of one’s screen and into the public realm.

Read More

Branded Kings Cross by Tom Oliver Payne

Hanging out in London’s Kings Cross's Granary Square recently, I was eating lunch away from the busy-ness of some of the city’s more hectic neighbourhoods. But I couldn’t help to notice that even in this more relaxed ‘public space’, I was bombarded with branding. I decided to I grab my camera and started shooting.

Read More

A conversation with Jess Cook of Sydney's 107 Projects by Tom Oliver Payne

Jess Cook has been involved in a range of events and creative projects over the last 15 years. From running collaborative art exhibitions and managing large-scale festivals, her latest endeavour is arguably her most ambitious. As Managing Director of Sydney’s 107 Projects, she’s been integral in creating an impressive cultural space in central Sydney. I met with Jess to check out 107 and talk to her about creative spaces, more generally.  

Read More

Interview with Sydney busker, Kane Muir by Tom Oliver Payne

Having played music on streets across the world, at 29 years old, busker and musician Kane Muir has experienced a life unique to most. Before he embarks on his next stint in Los Angeles, I caught up with him to talk cities, warehouse-living and the busking lifestyle. 

Read More