Founders Blog – Helen Edwards, East End Prints.

Portrait of Helen Edwards by Sarah Ainslie.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN STORY OF EAST END PRINTS, HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

I started curating group exhibitions of friends’ artwork around Shoreditch in the late 90’s. My combined passion for art, fun and friends (and paper products). The most successful show was 100 artists for 100 pounds each at the Shoreditch Town Hall basement and LOTS of beer. We had a queue to get in and it felt quite a buzz.

WHY DID EAST END PRINTS BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE GUILD OVER A DECADE AGO?

I am passionate about fair rent, small businesses and their need to get support.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST VALUABLE ASPECT OF GUILD MEMBERSHIP FOR YOU SINCE YOU JOINED?

I think being on the map! Hearing local news and connecting to a community that wants and is an advocate for change.

HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS CHANGED IN THE LAST DECADE?

Phew! It has gone from carting around lots of framed prints (and a baby!) to Spitalfields market to hiring lots of pop-up affordable spaces, then finally having a wonderful opportunity to open a shop at the top of Brick Lane. We feel eternally grateful for an affordable space for customers to come and shop from.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT EAST END PRINTS RIGHT NOW?

Every purchase with East End Prints goes directly towards supporting and funding emerging creatives. Consider giving the gift of Art this Christmas to your loved ones and independent Artists. We have had the most growth with our trade side of the business which has taken us into a whole new area – working with NEXT and John Lewis – we really can celebrate the success of our artists reaching a bigger market!

Encompassing all things celestial, East End Prints new artist WildSuga has exactly what your walls are looking for.