New Museum of London gallery uncovers East End stories

THE Lord Mayor's Stage Coach, an Alexander McQueen pashima and an art deco Selfridges lift represent modern London in a new museum gallery opening on May 28. The �20 million project at the Museum of London, viewed in a sneak preview, is split into three

THE Lord Mayor's Stage Coach, an Alexander McQueen pashima and an art deco Selfridges lift represent modern London in a new museum gallery opening on May 28.

The �20 million project at the Museum of London, viewed in a sneak preview, is split into three sections, highlighting 300 years of the city's history as well as the continuously-changing present.

East Londoners will be drawn to several pieces in the gallery, tying the history of the East End into London culture.

A dress worn by Ann Fanshawe in 1752, made from Spitalfields silk, will leave museum goers wondering how she managed to walk through doors, let alone sit down.

There is also a crucifixion painting by notorious East End gangster Ronnie Kray. It was painted in 1972 when the criminal from Bethnal Green was in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight.

These pieces are woven into the exhibition of more than 7,000 objects and many interactive stations to show the London of today and that of 300 years ago.

The new Galleries of Modern London opens May 28 at the Museum of London at London Wall. It is open daily 10am-6pm and admission is free.