East London’s most famous market got a flavour of the Far East when an acclaimed author launched his new novel on Japan there.
Twice Man-Booker nominated David Mitchell met fans to launch The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet at Old Spitalfields Market yesterday.
In tribute to his subject matter, a room at Mulberry Gate was transformed into an 18th Century Japanese tearoom.
Despite the event being booked before the devastating tsunami and earthquake hit, organisers encouraged visitors to donate anything they could to the cause.
All donations were sent the Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, organised by Global Giving.
Other fundraising events to help the victims of the disaster have also been organised in the East End, including a cake sale in Shoreditch and a fundraising music night at Bethnal Green Working Men’s club on Saturday March 26.
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