Robin learns from stylist Valentine Longcaster’s Instagram account, where he has posted a few arty shots of the venue, that he is planning on conducting a photoshoot at God’s Own Junkyard (Chapter 56).
God’s Own Junkyard is located in an unassuming warehouse on an industrial estate in Walthamstow, East London.
Inside there is a psychedelic display of neon lights, glitterballs and fabulous artwork. It is a combination of museum, gallery and shop, and also contains a bar and cafe.
On the following Tuesday afternoon, Robin arrives and watches the unit, hoping to speak to Longcaster. She is unable to enter as it is closed to the public due to the photoshoot (Chapter 60).
She finds it ‘awkward to be standing amid pallets and parked vans while curious car mechanics passed her’.
It is dark at half past six when the shoot finally wraps. Robin sees Ciara Porter leave with two other models, and when they are joined by Valentine Longcaster she takes her chance and approaches the group (Chapter 62). A rather unpleasant conversation takes place, but Valentine agrees to meet her shortly, around the corner in Arte e Pasta.
God’s Own Junkyard is a location we knew would feature in the book prior to release. On 27th June 2024, well over a year before The Hallmarked Man was published, J.K. Rowling changed her header to this picture of some of the neon signs in the museum.
God’s Own Junkyard is well worth a visit, but please note that they are only open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find more information on their website here:
https://www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk/vogue.html
You can find God’s Own Junkyard on the map below.