If you want to do a bit of exploring now that the days are longer and lockdown restrictions are in the process of easing, here are a few places where you can find interesting artwork throughout Redbridge.

While Redbridge is not chock-a-block with museums like some other boroughs, there are plenty of places to spot art of all kinds, if you know where to look.

Council-commissioned public art in Janice Mews and Kenneth More Road

Ilford Recorder: Artist Ben Eine said his piece is a statement about society's will to overcome difficult circumstances.Artist Ben Eine said his piece is a statement about society's will to overcome difficult circumstances. (Image: Louis Thornton)

Just outside the Kenneth More Theatre are two major, new artworks from street artists Dotmaster and Ben Eine.

The project was first dreamed up by residents Tom and Rieko Vining, who run the social media account @IlfordVillage to highlight the beauty of Ilford.

Ilford Recorder: The works have been a passion project for @ilfordvillage founder Tom Vining (centre), who first approached the council about this four years ago.The works have been a passion project for @ilfordvillage founder Tom Vining (centre), who first approached the council about this four years ago. (Image: Louis Thornton)

They worked with the council on commissioning the artists, who have previously worked with Banksy and have their artwork displayed around the world.

Not everyone is a fan of the project, but have a look yourself and see what you think.

Ilford Recorder: Dotmaster calls this work 'End of the Line' and is a playful piece on the red lines of graphs and charts we've gotten so used to seeing throughout the pandemic.Dotmaster calls this work 'End of the Line' and is a playful piece on the red lines of graphs and charts we've gotten so used to seeing throughout the pandemic. (Image: Louis Thornton)

Space Ilford

Ilford Recorder: Space Ilford has studios for 34 artists and occasionally holds exhibitions for the public.Space Ilford has studios for 34 artists and occasionally holds exhibitions for the public. (Image: Roy Chacko)

The Space Studios Ilford opened in December 2019 and is part of the regeneration of Ilford Town Centre.

Space has studios for 34 artists in Redbridge Town Hall and occasionally has public viewings.

It is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

Valentines Mansion

The Grade-II listed mansion in Valentines Park has a rolling exhibition of artwork.

The exhibits are free to the public and open from 10.30am to 4pm on Sundays and Mondays, including bank holidays.

Bodgers site

Ilford Recorder: Artwork on display at the former Bodgers department store in Ilford.Artwork on display at the former Bodgers department store in Ilford. (Image: Roy Chacko)

The site of the former department store Bodgers, which closed in 2018 after 125 years in business at the same location, has since been a magnet for street artists.

Before it will be turned into a tower block of flats, it has seen its share of interesting artwork.

Ilford Recorder: A mural celebrating the history of Ilford Village on display at the former Bodgers department store.A mural celebrating the history of Ilford Village on display at the former Bodgers department store. (Image: Roy Chacko)

In June 2020 it was the site of a Black Lives Matter mural; there was some upset when it was painted over.

Ilford Recorder: Artwork at the former Bodgers site in Ilford.Artwork at the former Bodgers site in Ilford. (Image: Roy Chacko)

It often has interesting artwork on display, but make sure to check it before it's gone!

Redbridge Museum

The Redbridge Museum, housed in the central library, is currently closed for a major renovation but is due to reopen in 2022.

It has stories of people who have lived and worked in Redbridge since 1940, as well as pictures and a history of what the area looked like in the 1800s and how the area has developed over time.