Smithfield Market is one of the biggest wholesale meat markets in Europe, the oldest wholesale meat market in the UK and the oldest meat market in London. Today’s market in Farringdon is over 140 years old. In 2028, the market will close and all businesses will relocate. Going forward, the existing site will include a new location for the Museum of London.

The loss of this iconic London institution is profound. The closure illustrates the impact that rising costs, increasing gentrification of ‘prime’ land locations and a changing way of life are having on traditional livelihoods, independent businesses and intergenerational communities. The many butchers on site supply a wide range of restaurants, hotels, delis and local businesses throughout London and further afield.

Over the course of 7 weeks, I undertook a personal project to photograph staff working through the night in Smithfield Market and also at Billingsgate Fish Market. My intention was to capture the incredible skill of the butchers; the sense of pride each person has in their work and the warm community that resonates throughout both premises. Whilst some businesses see the positivity in the change and the future opportunities a relocation could offer; with expanded premises and increased staff teams, for many, the uncertainty is understandably concerning and the further loss of traditional east end culture deeply disheartening.