The restaurant workers, baristas and shoppers who have featured in a popular Instagram account are now starring in a free outdoor exhibition.
Islington photographer Gary Williams has been documenting the quirky independent side street in his account 'This is Camden Passage' for the last four years.
Now, 14 images have been chosen to celebrate the faces and fans of what has been hailed 'London's most charming street' in the exhibition outside Angel Tube station.
Backed by Angel Islington Business Improvement District (BID), The People of Camden Passage runs along the covered walkway outside NatWest bank, and features familiar faces including retailers, traders and shop owners, as well as some of the characters who love to explore the eclectic street.
The exhibition coincides with the launch of Gary Williams’ book, ‘The Little Book of Camden Passage’, which gathers many more characterful portraits of the people who frequent the traffic-free cobbled thoroughfare.
He said: "I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the exhibition. It’s such a community-led project, celebrating the everyday heroes of Angel.
"There has been such a buzz and I’m so grateful to the BID and NatWest for making it happen. After four years and more than 5,000 photos it’s wonderful to see it come to life and be seen by so many people."
Camden Passage became known in the 1950s as a destination for antique shops and has blossomed into a diverse hub, bustling with cafes, restaurants, independent shops and pubs.
Portraits featured in the exhibition in order from Angel tube station to the approach to Camden Passage are: Susan Daniel Joseph at The Framers, Selena at EGRO deli, Hugo at Redemption Roasters, Peter Lara at Moxons, Susan at Loop Scott, Luca and Gaston at Kitch, Jess at Angelica’s Bridal, Lindsay at Hearts and Daggers Militaria, Fatima Daniele at Frederick’s restaurant, Benjamin and Porthos and Alex outside Brother Marcus restaurant.
Joining Mr Williams at the launch last Thursday (August 8) was Martin Klute, ward councillor for St Peter's and Canalside, BID Chairman Matthew Crawford, and BID CEO Ben Stephenson.
Mr Stephenson said: "The Angel is all about the people that work, visit and live in this wonderful neighbourhood, and Gary’s portraits are a true snapshot of this diverse community."
He added that the BID aims to promote and improve the Angel on behalf of the area's 550 businesses: "Enhancing the public realm is a key part of the BID’s role and I’m delighted we have been able to stage this free gallery."
Cllr Klute said: “The photos are really engaging and evoke the diversity of people who live and work in Islington. The walkway has been dark for a long time and it’s the first time we’ve done anything to brighten it up so nicely.
"I like (opera singer) Susan Daniel’s portrait the best – the pose that is captured is extraordinary."
Since starting his account Gary Williams has seen 18 businesses close but 18 new retailers take their place. He says his book celebrates the people and personalities of a resilient street that has witnessed decades of decline and transformation, yet despite the threat of rising rents, continues to thrive.
He has vowed that his love affair with Camden Passage and photographic chronicling will continue, and his images will soon be complemented by recorded interviews from Camden Passage stalwarts to form an audio history and podcast.
Visitors to Angel can catch the ‘People of Camden Passage’ outdoor exhibition until the end of September.
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