London’s outer suburbs have stereotypically been portrayed and understood as safe, boring and an anathema to inspiration, especially against more dynamic, spectacular and multilayered central districts. Yet, London’s suburbia has proved a fertile and innovative seedbed for creativity, particularly in contrast to an increasingly gentrified, generic and bland historic centre. From the literature of Hanif Kureishi, JG Ballard and Zadie Smith to the musical adventures of Siouxsie Sioux, Suburban Base records and Burial, the suburbs have become central to cultural representations and imaginations of contemporary London.

UCL Urban Laboratory – Creative Edge.

Georgina Cook and I are collaborating on a presentation for this event at UCL. We will build on my review of her work here, but our contribution will consist of entirely new material (most of which has been put together by Georgina, I have to stress!)

Also on the bill is a certain Mr Martin Blackdown.

It will be good.