A photo-documentary exhibition about real life on the streets of London’s East End has been unveil by Sir Derek Jacobi on the London Underground.

East London Advertiser: Sir Derek Jacobi with Heartstone director Sita Kumari at the Whitechapel unveiling with Osmani Trust director Shafiur RahmanSir Derek Jacobi with Heartstone director Sita Kumari at the Whitechapel unveiling with Osmani Trust director Shafiur Rahman (Image: Heartstone)

The man who brought medieval monastery sleuth Cadfael, Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Roman emperor Claudius to the TV screen for millions of viewers unveiled photographs showing Chandra’s London on the station platforms and corridors.

Chandra’s London is a documentary exhibition appearing across London which explores the life of the metropolis, taking its name from the heroine of the The Heartstone Odyssey trilogy that features real locations.

“This is a new way to view the people of London,” Heartstone director Sita Kumari said.

East London Advertiser: Sir Derek Jacobi with Heartstone director Sita Kumari at the Whitechapel unveiling with Osmani Trust director Shafiur RahmanSir Derek Jacobi with Heartstone director Sita Kumari at the Whitechapel unveiling with Osmani Trust director Shafiur Rahman (Image: Heartstone)

“It’s a new window on a familiar world, bringing people together through the visual image to celebrate what unites us as the human race.”

The unveiling by Sir Derek is the third in a series of exhibitions marking the start of a journey to the big screen, highlighting London as one of the main centres of the project.

The Whitechapel exhibition celebrates “the need to challenge intolerance”, developed over 30 years by photographer and Heartstone writer Nick Sidle. Nick combines landscape with a reporting-style street photography of people.

East London Advertiser: Sir Derek Jacobi with Heartstone director Sita Kumari at the Whitechapel unveiling with Osmani Trust director Shafiur RahmanSir Derek Jacobi with Heartstone director Sita Kumari at the Whitechapel unveiling with Osmani Trust director Shafiur Rahman (Image: Heartstone)

The section covering Brick Lane and Whitechapel was gathered with help from the men and women living in the area and connected with Whitchapel’s Osmani Trust community centre.

Chandra’s London has grown over the years to become a substantial exhibition presented in varied locations across London including the Royal Festival Hall, City Hall, Scotland Yard and Houses of Parliament.

None of the images are staged or posed, but represent a ‘moment in time’.

The trilogy is being prepared for the big screen by Barrie Osborne, the Oscar-winning producer of Lord of the Rings, The Matrix and The Great Gatsby.