As Seen on the Streets of London by Giulia Blocal

For street art lovers, London has always been a city that rewards curiosity. Its streets, alleyways and railway arches are bursting with art. But most of us walk past without ever really seeing. For street art blogger and author Giulia Blocal, this is everything that makes the city what it is. Her book ‘As Seen on the Streets of London‘ invites readers to experience the capital through a different lens. To experience through the eyes of the artists and the walls that become their canvasses.

The two versions of ‘As Seen on the Streets of London’ by Giulia Blocal. Photo by Paolo Giannotti

A Book about Place and People

The book is the second in Giulia’s growing series. Starting with Paris and moving to London. They explore cities which are defined by their street art scenes. Her approach blends fine art photography with historical research and deep dives into the neighbourhoods themselves. But what truly anchors the book is her focus on local artists. Their voices, inspirations, favourite haunts and personal relationships with the city. For Giulia, these artists don’t just paint London.
They are London.

Giulia Blocal talks about her latest book ‘As Seen on the Streets of London’

London as a First Love

Giulia grew up in Italy in the pre-internet 90s. This was a time when London felt like the centre of everything fresh. Music, fashion, film, art. It was the city where new ideas were born before radiating across Europe. At 19, she moved to London for a summer job. Her first taste of independence, her first experience navigating life on her own terms. That formative summer forged a lifelong connection:

“London has always been a city that represents creativity, inspiration, freedom.”

It’s a sentiment that radiates through her writing — London as a place where possibility feels just around the corner.

The book which features a more local, intimate look at London. Work from Perspicere and various graffiti writers is shown on these pages. Photo by Paolo Giannotti

Reading a City Through Its Walls

For Giulia, street art sharpens the senses. Where some may see only bricks and peeling paint, she sees coded messages: the interplay between artist, artwork and location. Learning who created a piece, and why, unlocks a different relationship with the city. Suddenly, the daily commute becomes less routine, more alive.

“Street art gives you a different lens to interpret the city.
It’s a more poetic way of living in a place.”

Art by Dan Kitchener in Penge. Photo by Paolo Giannotti

Following the Artist’s Trail

One of the great delights in crafting the book was gathering local recommendations from the artists themselves. Favourite neighbourhoods, hidden corners and unexpected viewpoints. These tips scatter through the book, encouraging readers to wander off the beaten path. We don’t just learn about the city, we learn about the artist too. Their tastes, their memories, the places that inspire them.

Dale Grimshaw portrait in Hackney Wick. Photo by Paolo Giannotti

A Guide for Everyone

Street art fans will certainly find plenty to enjoy. Though Giulia hopes the book speaks just as strongly to those who know little about the scene. To people who just want to discover a different London. One that takes visitors away from predictable landmarks and crowded guidebook routes.

Carrie Reichardt artwork on her Mosaic House in Chiswick. Photo by Paolo Giannotti

A Love Letter to the Capital

Ultimately, this is a book driven by affection. Affection for London, for its artists and for the ever-changing gallery that is its public realm. As Giulia puts it:

“I hope people will love the city as much as I do.”

With The Street Art Guide to London, she’s given readers every possible reason to do exactly that.