Step Into Another World

I'm always amazed how few know of Grant & Cutler, since 1936 the best place in London for foreign language books. The numbers of specialist bookshops have been dwindling over recent years, lets hope Grant & Cutler survive. Me? I want to learn Russian now.

The Old Vic

Pulling back from yesterday's photo, the Old Vic theatre stands in splendid isolation near Waterloo. Built originally in 1818 it harks back to a time when it was normal for theatres to be built South of the river, as they weren't seen as proper for the very proper City. If you want to read what was going on in 1818, here's a page, or Wikipedia's list.

If a phone rings in the forest, and it is set to silent, will anyone answer?

You are looking at "Forest" an installation to brighten up Emma Cons Gardens (by The Cut in Wateroo) through the winter months, while at the same time highlighting the issues of sustainability and deforestation. At least, it might if you aren't on the phone.

Where Is This Leading?

Knowing that I am an enthusiastic cyclist you might expect me to be an enthusiastic supporter of all things "green", and I am, but.....

Westminster council now has a policy that allows electric cars to park for free and recharge for free. And they call it "green", "Zero Emissions". Good job there isn't a power plant in Westminster, then. If I had my way, I'd skew the charges to make it a lot cheaper to drive a small car - regardless of propulsion, and expensive to drive a big car. It would be nice if it could be done by weight rather than size, but why why why why why do we insist on carting round several useless tonnes of dead weight? Ah well, it is a start, anyway. Have a look here if you want to have a laugh - I really believe that was not done tongue in cheek.

A Bit of Old Soho

I Camisa in Old Compton Street is one of the last bastions of old Soho left, cherish it while you can. And cherish their garlic & fennel sausages, too. See the outside view here.

The Acrobat

They're all over London, thriving in the large number of parks we are blessed with. This bird feeder is supposed to be squirrel proof. Unfortunately, nobody told the squirrels.

Not a lot of people know that

In Leicester Square, there are brass handprints installed for a variety of different actors and actresses. Of course, Michael Caine, never actually said "and not a lot of people know that", and not a lot of people know that. His Wikipedia article is interesting, too.

It is actually more fascinating than it sounds, walking around the square looking at the handprints and thinking about the people behind them. If you'd like to see a contrast, click here.

Rocking in the Aisles

If you like the idea of being entertained for two and a half hours by enourmously talented musicians, singers and dancers banging out old rock'n'roll standards with maximum energy, hung together with a flimsy plot line, you will probably like Dreamboats and Petticoats as much as Mrs Ham and I did. If that doesn't appeal, don't waste your money.

Pearly Kings & Queens

The Pearly Kings and Queens are so much a part of London that we tend to take them for granted, happy that they are there. If you look at their history , you ill see that they are 130 years old, started by a man brought up in an orphanage and determined to help those less fortunate. These days, you still see them about, working tirelessly for charity.

Woof

Everyone's favourite, what more can I say? How about an anecdote from Peter White, a blind man who doesn't use a guide dog:

On the Tube, just got on a train.
Man in carriage "'Ere mate, where's yer dog?"
Peter (in a moment of devilment):"Oh? Isn't he here? I must have left him outside"
Man: "Don'cher worry, I'll sort it!" Yanks the emergency stop.

The National Gallery

I do like showing familiar places in a new light - The National Gallery in this instance.

Cornerstones

This odd collection of boundary markers can be found in Eldon Street, near Liverpool Street - if you look up. I like the precision - "Twenty Three Feet Eight Inches from this tablet"

Shining Light

This exceptional stained glass panel sits above the doorway to London Metropolitan University. The history is long and illustrious, an excellent example of the worthy aspirations of the Victorians. I rather like that in the same university they have buildings like this, and one like this (a Libeskind building).

Shame their recent history isn't such a shining example.

Echo

One of the more hidden statues today outside the Thameslink station by Holbirn Viaduct. This is called "Echo" by Stephen Cox. It's not that hard working out you are facing the male version, the subtleties of the female one opposite are less pronounced.

Made me laugh

On the left hand side you have a sign saying "Caution!! Slip Hazrd". On the right hand side, a sign advertising the Broadgate Ice Rink. Made me laugh, anyway. Anyway, the last of the ice related photos.

Get your skates on

These days, London has any number of skating rinks where you can show your prowess. I'm afraid I'm more like the photo of this couple I decided not to use, just after the bloke slipped over.

Snapped Cold

Although it is nowhere near as beautiful as this one, I thought I'd mark the end of our cold snap with a few ice related shots. These are the frozen fountains in Trafalgar Square.

Put That Cup Back!

This easily overlooked, non-functioning water fountain sits on one side of Holborn Viaduct. It's claim to fame is that it is the first ever public drinking fountain in London. Ian has Visited too, and has a lot of background info.

Lonely Shoes Club

Ahh the London sales. Maybe I should get out more. I saw this shoe display and couldn't help anthropomorphising them. Is it just me that thinks those two in the middle have paired up? Yes? Oh well.

Hang About

It wouldn't be my first career choice, although I have a reasonable head for heights, but London has a lot of tall buildings and someone has to do it.

Monday Blues

Inside the Broadgate Centre just by Liverpool Street there is a statue group called "Rush Hour" by George Segal. I liked him in The Longest Day ;-)

Why Did The Photographer Cross The Road?

After yesterday's chicken impression, I had to give you the answer. To get to the Trafalgar Studios Theatre, of course. Unfortunately it's now too late for anyone to see "A Daughter's Daughter" , an Agatha Christie play, there. That's a shame because it was really quite good. Of its time and very much a melodrama, but in many ways entirely timeless. The Trafalgar Studio theatre space retains an intimacy very suitable for this domestic setting, with seating right up to the stage and steeply raked seats - worth a visit. Programme anyone?

London

I was crossing the road when I realised I had an - the? - iconic London photo in my sights. I didn't get run over - just.

Sit On It And Spin

In London's docklands, there is a bridge that has been designed to open by swinging around a central pivot. I've never seen it open, I don't suppose I ever will, but it is good to think it is there.

Snow Patrol

There is a lot of snow in London in the moment. In fact,
most things seem to have ground to a halt. Kids seem to be having fun, though.

Muriel in 3-D

Before I leave Silvertown, I had to show you the mural outside the Brick Lane Music Hall. The perspective is fantastic, and the "real" pub signs just lift it. Stand there and you can imagine walking down that street between the pubs.

Sexing the Lion

You often see a pair of lions outside Chinese establishments, as symbols of protection. These are outside Loon Fung, a London based Oriental superstore. But, do you know how to tell the male from the female? Look at what they are playing with. The female is always playing with a cub. The male is always playing with a ball. True. Priceless, but true. (in this detail of the male there are other, more obvious clues to the gender, but you don't have to look that close)