A local exhibition and free printed map of the borough’s bakeries show the rich and changing baking scene of the borough over the years
A new arts project and exhibition called Breaking Bread is telling the stories of Waltham Forest’s bakeries.
Created by artist Lucy Harrison, Breaking Bread spans historic family bakeries like Robert Brooks and James Crown to today’s mix of independent bakers crafting everything from Italian focaccia to traditional naan and Turkish gözleme.
The year-long project has produced a free bakery map available soon in cafés and bakeries across the borough, while local bread makers are being showcased on Instagram and TikTok.
Lucy spent months filming bread being made and speaking to bakers about their craft, visiting during night shifts and early morning openings to capture the skill and passion behind the borough’s bakery scene.
27 bakeries were selected to feature on the free printed map, available at Lea Bridge Library and select bakeries.
Lucy is exhibiting her photographs and research on bakeries past and present at Lea Bridge Library until 29th June, and will screen her film Bread Makers at the Bakers’ Almshouses on Lea Bridge Road on 27th June.
Lucy explains: “The project started as a way to document today’s amazing bakery scene, but what emerged was this fascinating story of continuity. Whether it’s German bakers in the early 1900s or the Syrian, Mexican and Bulgarian bakers I met this year, Waltham Forest has always been shaped by people bringing their food traditions from around the world.”
“Spending time in bakeries at dawn and during night shifts, filming bread being made, really showed me the skill and passion behind Waltham Forest’s food culture,” she adds.
“From Lucky Yu’s Cantonese-inspired sourdough made with congee to traditional Turkish gözleme, the diversity is incredible – and it connects to a much longer history of immigrant bakers shaping the area.”
The map was designed by local designer Sandra Zellmer, with assistance from local content creator Victoria Dove.
Breaking Bread was funded by Arts Council England and London Borough of Waltham Forest’s Make It Happen 2024 Grant.
Further details and an online version of the map are available here
Join the waitlist for a Waltham Forest bakery walking tour here
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