Client: Various (including Financial Times)
Design & Illustration: Jitesh Patel
Category: London Street Scene Illustration | Editorial | Personal Series
Overview
London Street Scene Illustration Series. This series of four hand-drawn illustrations captures distinctive street scenes across London. Each artwork highlights the architectural character, cultural landmarks, and everyday life of the city, blending observational drawing with vibrant digital finishing.
The illustrations—Caledonian Road, Brick Lane Bagel Shops, Monmouth Coffee Borough Market, and Lina Stores Soho—offer unique perspectives on London’s neighbourhoods, showing both well-known landmarks and the people who bring these streets to life.
Approach
Every drawing begins as a detailed pen illustration, establishing structure, perspective, and intricate linework. The artworks are then digitally composed and coloured in Photoshop, where a carefully considered palette brings depth and vibrancy without losing the integrity of the hand-drawn lines. Each piece balances architectural detail with human activity, giving the viewer a sense of place and atmosphere.
Design Details
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Caledonian Road Drawing
Commissioned by The Financial Times, this piece captures the end of Caledonian Road, with shops, architecture, and people moving through their daily routines. Illustrated from an angled viewpoint, it emphasises both the street’s perspective and its lived-in vibrancy. -
Brick Lane Bagel Shops
Depicting the two iconic bagel shops side by side, this illustration takes a straight-on viewpoint. Rather than focusing solely on the shopfronts, the composition expands to include the surrounding street, reflecting Brick Lane’s bustling energy and layered character. -
Monmouth Coffee, Borough Market
A corner view down Park Street frames the illustration, showcasing Monmouth Coffee alongside the neighbouring parade of shops. The scene extends towards Stoney Street, revealing the railway bridge and part of the Borough Market. Figures enjoying coffee and conversation capture the lively social atmosphere of this landmark location. -
Lina Stores, Soho
One of my personal favourites, this illustration pays homage to Lina Stores restaurant in Soho. Taking a straight-on viewpoint, the composition shows the vibrant street, pavement activity, and the adjacent Union Club. It reflects both the charm of Soho dining culture and the neighbourhood’s rich character.
Outcome
Together, these four architectural illustrations form a series that celebrates London’s unique streets and everyday life. By combining architectural precision with narrative detail, the artworks capture both the physical and cultural identity of each location. This project contributes to my growing portfolio of London street scene illustrations, demonstrating the versatility of hand-drawn work enhanced with digital composition.
Shop the Print
Bring this illustration of Monmouth Coffee at Borough Market into your space: Buy Monmouth Coffee Print
