Sophie Green captures the rich tapestry of Peckham’s Aladura churches
A chance encounter sparked the photographer’s captivating chronicle of southeast London’s Aladura Spiritualist African churches

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Thank you for signing up to Wallpaper. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
‘I have always been drawn to groups who are proud to be themselves,’ says photographer Sophie Green, ahead of the launch of her new docu-photography book Congregation. Green, who photographed ceramic artist Magdalene Odundo in our March 2019 issue, has channelled her interest in collective identities into her images of the Aladura Spiritualist African churches in her local neighbourhood of Peckham, southeast London.
‘Every Sunday morning you can see church goers walk up and down Rye Lane as they flow in and out of the churches,' she explains. ‘I thought they looked so beautiful and ethereal in their radiant white dress, strongly contrasting with their urban 21st-century surroundings.’
Aladura is a denomination of Christianity predominantly practised by Yoruba Nigerians, and in the last 40 years has become a ubiquitous part of London life – particularly in Southwark, which has the highest concentration of African churches outside the continent.
From the series Congregation, by Sophie Green
Green’s interest in this community was first piqued one Sunday back in 2017, when she stopped a lady on the street and complimented on her attire, and soon found herself invited to a service. ‘Both she and the rest of the congregation welcomed me in – I then watched the seven hour service in awe,’ she continues. ‘A crowd of white robed men, women and children were singing, dancing and clapping to the beat of the drum, praying spontaneously in unison and following prayer from the service leader. I was entranced by this powerful display of their commitment to a faith.’
This experience triggered in Green a desire to further explore and document what she had witnessed; and she has been diligently making pictures of various Southwark churches ever since. ‘I wanted my visual and intellectual knowledge of my immediate neighbourhood and communities to develop more fully,’ she explains, and her new book, produced by artist-run publisher Loose Joints, gave her the space to do just that.
Green’s lively album sidesteps appearing intrusive, and instead feels celebratory. The photographer was keen for Congregation to display the ‘warmth and respect’ she feels for the communities that welcomed her in. Indeed, it manages to spotlight Aladura with an inquisitive eye, not a probing one.
The project follows a steep ascension for the artist, who first studied fashion photography at London College of Fashion. Her investigative work, motivated by her ‘innate curiosity in the human experience', has featured everything from stock car racing to traveller groups, and has featured in Vogue and the Financial Times. Expect big things to come from this sensitive mind.
Congregation, £27, published by Loose Joints. For more information, visit Sophie Green’s website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.
- Sophie Green - PhotographyPhotography
-
Tulum welcomes Xela: a Mexican coastal escape
Dip into seaside serenity at Xela, Tulum's new boutique hotel on the Caribbean coast
By Daven Wu Published
-
This modest cabin is the perfect way to experience Norwegian nature
A modest cabin by Kima Arkitektur in Norway makes the most of its dramatic, natural landscape through simplicity
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Peruse the ICA print sale, marking the institute’s 75th anniversary
London’s ICA print sale, with Counter Editions, includes limited-edition prints from Chris Ofili, Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings, and more, available individually or as a box set
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Madelon Vriesendorp’s ‘sculptural interventions and playful ideas’ at The Cosmic House
A Madelon Vriesendorp exhibition opens at The Cosmic House in London, surprising and delighting visitors with its ‘sculptural interventions and playful ideas‘
By Will Jennings Published
-
The best London art exhibitions to see now
Your guide to the best London art exhibitions, as chosen by the Wallpaper* arts desk
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Liverpool Biennial 2023 explores the legacy of slavery
The Liverpool Biennial 2023, ‘uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things’, seeks a sense of healing as it explores the legacy of slavery in the city
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
‘A temple of love’: Joana Vasconcelos unveils colossal wedding cake sculpture
At Waddesdon Manor, UK, Joana Vasconcelos unveils her ‘impossible project’ Wedding Cake – part sculpture, part architectural garden folly, part pâtisserie
By Daniel Scheffler Published
-
The art fair personality test: what type of Frieze New York visitor are you?
Are you a selfie seeker or a champagne visualist? Take our art fair personality test to identify yourself at Frieze New York 2023 (17-21 May)
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Published
-
Photo book explores the messy, magical mundanity of new motherhood
‘Sorry I Gave Birth I Disappeared But Now I’m Back’ by photographer Andi Galdi Vinko explores new motherhood in all its messy, beautiful reality
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Best contemporary art books: a guide for 2023
From maverick memoirs to topical tomes, turn over a new leaf with the Wallpaper* arts desk’s pick of new releases and all-time favourite art books
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Published
-
The best photography books for your coffee table
Flick through, mull over and deep-dive into the best photography books on the market, from our shelves to you
By Sophie Gladstone Published