Artists Inspired by London: Michelle Heron

Painting shops before they drop

Michelle Heron immortalises the many threatened independent stores that make our high streets what they are. Michelle's figurative paintings take viewers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, documenting the many distinct shop fronts, greasy spoons, and launderettes of bygone eras. We speak to her about her practice, how she chooses what to paint and the evolution of London

Michelle with some of her works

What drew you to painting shop fronts in the first place?

I’ve always painted my surrounding environment. Before I lived in London, I grew up in suburbia in Norfolk, and during my art degree, my work was about houses, garages and alleyways. I think my shopfront obsession arose because I used to work in London as a window dresser, so I became aware of shop windows. I noticed an old shop where I lived in Stoke Newington with this huge striking sign in retro fonts, and I just thought it would be interesting to paint. It was called The Egg Stores Ltd. Back then, about ten years ago, I was more interested in the aesthetics of a shop. Still, since many have begun to disappear over the years, my motivation to paint them has shifted slightly - focusing more on the emotional and social side.

Beneath the paywall:

• The shopfronts that hold a special place for Michelle

• What is it about the older shops she’s drawn to

• Michelle’s Hidden Gems of London