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Fume DDS

BritishBritish
, b. 1977

Fume DDS is an iconic graffiti artist whose name has become synonymous with West London's gritty streets and underground railways. Active since April 1992, Fume holds the Stonechip World Record, earned through his relentless dedication to painting trains, a practice often labeled vandalism by authorities but celebrated as art by generations of graffiti enthusiasts. A founding force behind the notorious DDS crew, he shaped London’s graffiti landscape through daring and audacious missions that continue to inspire writers today. Born and raised in West London's dynamic and culturally rich area—defined by Edgware Road, Regent’s Canal, Shepherd’s Bush Green, and Bayswater Road—Fume grew up to the sounds and sights of the city’s iconic "Little Mets" trains. These trains, combined with West London's abandoned spaces like the Rotunda Building and Paddington wasteground, provided the perfect canvas for his burgeoning creativity. Fume’s work is deeply connected to his West London roots. Influenced by legendary predecessors such as Rich, Rage, and Foam, his style evolved amidst a backdrop of street masterpieces and the stark realities of urban life. His graffiti became a rebellious expression against the harshness of his environment, turning everyday encounters with danger and street crime into fuel for creative resilience. Throughout his career, Fume has maintained a mystique rarely seen in today’s highly digitalized art world. Eschewing social media, podcasts, and public appearances, he continues to let his art speak for itself, preserving graffiti's original ethos of anonymity and rebellion. While the neighborhoods he once called home have transformed due to gentrification and increased surveillance, Fume remains dedicated to preserving the essence of old West London through his art. Today, some of his early pieces have even achieved heritage status, protected behind modern developments—a testament to his lasting impact on London's cultural landscape. Despite changing times, Fume continues to represent the spirit of authentic graffiti, embodying its raw energy and uncompromising independence.