Lynne Featherstone MP visited theLOCALgallery in Muswell Hill on Saturday, to view an exhibition of photographs and discuss measures to keep local trade alive in the area.

The event organiser (local business owner and photographer Matt Humphrey) also took the opportunity to unveil a new public portrait display of local traders who are speaking out in support of local trade, as part of a global art project called Inside Out. The project in Muswell Hill is being co-organised by Matt Humphrey and photographer David Gould.

The MP for Hornsey and Wood Green viewed the ‘Paris in the Sixties’ photographs by local photographer Alan Scales, and took a wander through the French themed street event on Avenue Mews.

The Liberal Democrat MP then gave a brief speech about the measures she is taking to support independent retailers and high streets – including her independent shops competition and a campaign for 30 mins free parking on high streets.

After the event, organiser Matt Humphrey said:

“It was great that Lynne could visit Avenue Mews and theLOCALgallery at the weekend. Our mews and the ‘Paris In The Sixties’ exhibition are prime examples of the hidden creative talents that are bountiful yet overlooked in N10.

“Through the Inside Out Project and portraits of local traders, we wanted to literally give a face to the plight that we are facing as independent local traders, shopkeepers and creatives. This is a theme that not only resonates within our area, but across the country, as high streets lose their individual characters and shops to become clones of one another.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I really enjoyed visiting this wonderful exhibition and gallery. I am so happy that Matt has taken the initiative to showcase local art, and bring the Inside Out project to Muswell Hill.

“In my constituency, we are lucky enough to have many unique, independent shops and retailers. During these tough times it is vital that we protect them. That’s why I’m running a competition to find our best independent shops, and campaigning for 30 minutes of free parking on high streets to encourage people to stop off at local retailers, rather than big multinationals.”