Watch the birdie

This collection of stoned birds can be found as you enter the Isle of Dogs. I've no ide what it is doing there, and it's well out the way for passers by - not that there are that many of those.

I'm off walking in Shropshire over the weekend - back soon.

Hello Sweetie!!!

The sugar makers Tate & Lyle has a long and intimate history connected to London. Yes, that's the same Tate.

This is their Silvertown refinery where they still produce Golden Syrup, the UK's oldest brand.

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A Darker Docklands

As I said yesterday, there was a lot to see and do in the Museum of Docklands. I thought of showing you a picture from the Old Time Music Hall performance, as I took a short video, too. Then I thought, a shot of part of the re-creation of old Docklands scenes, but I realised that you wouldn't be able to experience the smells that they had added (!!!) that transform the experience.

Instead, here is a reminder of the casual racism that was part of the warp and weft of life until not that long ago. One of the things this museum does particularly well is its handling of slavery and its consequences. No over-sentimentality, no beating of chests, just the story straight down the middle, well illustrated by artefacts. It is all the more powerful for that.

The Museum of Docklands

This last weekend, the Museum of Docklands was celebrating its fifth birthday, and there were quite a lot of things going on, including free admission. I've long been interested to see it, but as a cheapskate that thinks museums should be free, I had to avail myself of this opportunity. (Normal admission is £5, valid for a year)

The story of the Thames and Docklands IS the story of London, and I'm pleased to report that this museum does it justice. These people are examining a model of the old London Bridge, crafted in amazing detail, including skulls on spikes. There is a lot to see in the museum, for all ages, and they cover a range of subjects interestingly and engagingly. So much so, I may well feature another aspect in coming days.

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