Russell Loughlan is the talented bloke who created the eye-catching Kentishtowner masthead logo seen across the neighbourhood in each month’s print issue.
Having lived in the area for nearly a decade, he works in illustration, using reclaimed objects to create thought-provoking texts and images, some of which have accompanied our popular Urban Animal Of The Week columns. “I try to attribute emotions to animals,” he says, “with results that are sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, but always touching. At least I hope they are.”
Loughlan’s breakthrough was at the internationally-acclaimed pop-up exhibition Tales From A Park Bench, curated by Kentishtowner editor Stephen Emms in Camden Town in 2009. Since then his work has exhibited in various places around London and as far as Perth, Australia. He is a graduate of the MA at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art & Design.
So animals aside, what does Loughlan like most about the neighbourhood? “Every Friday night can be a different experience,” he says, “but usually starts at the Brewery with a pint of Hell’s – and that’s when it goes all wrong. I’m also a massive fan of junk fairs and antiques and love to rummage about for scraps of maps, books and postcards to scribble over.”
And Spitalfields or Camden? “Rooting around Camden Stables lower ground floor is surprisingly fruitful – and quiet. I’m also quite excited that the wonderful, colourful “junktique” dealer Jackie has decamped from Hampstead to Queen’s Crescent Market flogging her wares.”
Intrigued? Head to Russell’s website. There are just a few limited edition signed prints still available in our online shop.
