Before the arrival of the 2012 Olympic Games, the Lea Valley was East London's secret retreat. Polly Braden and David Campany documented its strange, gently surreal beauty, before it was transformed forever.

Polly Braden is renowned for her naturalistic photographs of human relationships and has previously published two books: China Between (2011) and Great Interactions: Life With Learning Disabilities and Autism (2016). She works on long term self-initiated projects as well as commissions for international publications.

David Campany writes, curates exhibitions and makes images. His many books include A Handful of Dust (2015), The Open Road: photography and the American Road Trip (2014). David is a recipient of the ICP Infinity Award and the Kraszna-Krauz Award.