The Writers Bench

The Writers Bench is an important symbol due to its historical function as a place where writers could meet each other and exchange important information. This new “unsanctioned project" that utilizes the “camouflage of design to lend stature and authority to the Writer’s Bench at 149th St and Grand Concourse” is not only fitting, but in many cases necessary. Artists Erik Burke and Yale Wolf have been putting up faux "SubTalk" posters in stations and even installed a plaque at the legendary Writer’s Bench. The first writers bench was formed in 1972 in the w 188th st. in Manhattan. around 1975 a writers bench was formed at the 149th st and Grand concourse subway station in the Bronx. this bench was an idea place for writers to go piece watch because the 2 4 and 5 lines converged at this station allowing writers to see the artwork displayed on all 3 of these lines.

As a renowned NYC graffiti artist and writer, Daze explained " it was an ideal place for writers to go watch pieces because there was a bridge that connected the uptown and downtown sides and you could see pieces go by on both sides of the train. people would go there to meet each other, but mainly, it just started as a good place to go piece watch."

Many writers' benches flourished in the 70s and early 80s before the city's attack on graffiti finally forced them to dissolve. some of the most notable were the benches at the Atlantic ave and Brooklyn bridge stations. once these benched were established writers would travel to different boroughs in order to meet writers from these areas. although the writers benches have now disappeared, they are remembered as icons that attest to the growth of the graffiti culture and movement.

[info and photos via writers bench NYC]