London's Elephants - No 28 in a series

Today's elephant was spotted by the great Greenwich Phantom sitting high on what used to be Burton's building in central Greenwich. See the general view of the building here. The elephant series is here.

Peter Pan Statue

The statue of Peter Pan is well known, but less frequently visited. The background story is interesting, and Peter Pan is the focus, but I'm fascinated by the quality of detail on the whole statue and the pediment. Frankly, it would have been unlikely to get past the kiddie-ahem-ahem censors today, but it is entirely beautiful. A view of the whole statue here.


See where on the London Daily Photo Map
For the first 200 Map places, click here.

(Well, for the first time in over three years I've missed a day posting. Only I hadn't missed it, it was here ready and waiting, Blogger didn't work and I didn't notice it.)

Union Street Theatre Cafe

I was in union Street for The Way We See It when I was reminded just how vibrant London's fringe theatre is. I haven't been the the Union Street Theatre or any other for a while, which is a shame. If you aren't familiar with the concept, fringe theatre is where shows are put on in small venues, some are good, some maybe less so, but all are an intensely involving experience. I would certainly put a fringe show on my "must see" list of things to do in London.


I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up). Back soon.

Better to give than receive

From one hospital yesterday to another. the charity that funds Guy's & St Thomas Hospital have a policy of committing 1% of funding to the arts, to make the hospitals a better place to be and live. The results are things like this metalwork down the side of London Bridge. This commission is meant to signify "It's better to give than receive". Not sure I see it, but I like the work.


I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Trinity Hospital, Greenwich

Not to be confused with Greenwich Naval Hospital, Trinity Hospital is the oldest building in Greenwich Town Centre, dating from 1616, worth a look or even a detour as you walk along the riverbank.

I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Riverside Life

Just along a little way from the Thames Barrier is this riverside block of flats by a small nature sanctuary, looking over the Thames. I think if I had the money, this is one of the places I might choose to live, or at least have a pied a terre.

I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

The Thames Barrier

This is the Thames Barrier from the southern bank of the Thames, the only thing that stands between us and getting washed away. Really.


I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Tea Ceremony

If, like me, you enjoy good tea, you reall should examine Teasmith in Spitalfields. Visiting, you are powerfully reminded that we English took this drink to our hearts from its origins in the orient.

I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Swan Landing

This is one of a small group of swans landing on the south side of Battersea Bridge, a rather elegant addition to a barren corner.

I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Don't Sit Down!!!!

Today just a bit of Local Council Lunacy from my local area, Wanstead. It amused me.

I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Embargoed!

I was passing Lambeth Bridge when I spotted a lot of activity and camera work. Thinking I may have happened across something of significance, I started snapping away. The Production Assistant came over and asked me not to take photos, so I asked why. She told me that this was a fashion shoot for one of these "reality" TV programmes and if the remaining contestants were revealed (several weeks before the "official" selection) it could ruin the programme.

I then pointed out that there was really nothing to stop me taking photos in a public place, she said "Yes, I know, but I have to ask nicely." How could I refuse?

I'm on holiday for the next week, but pictures will continue (if Blogger doesn't play up).

Pillars of Society

The Law Society is in Chancery Lane - the scene of this week's The Way We See It. I do believe that Judges and the legal profession are one of the pillars that keep our society together. The others? Maybe the Police, the Army, the Press; it's all a question of balance.

The Blackfriar

This pub is one of the finest examples of the Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts movement buildings in London. converted from an office block in 1905 it takes inspiration from an ancient monastery that used to be nearby (they wore black habits). The building is very well preserved and the detail is great, like this. The interior is certainly worth a visit, and not just for the excellent beer.

April Theme Day - Yellow

I was a bit hard pressed to think of a London twist to the Worldwide City Daily Photo theme day "Yellow". I thought of Speakers Corner (Yell-O) , but then remembered these St John's Ambulance bikes. As I never tire of telling people, bike is by far the fastest way to get around London - somthing you would be very pleased about if you needed these guys in an emergency!

As ever, click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this theme day.

Quantum Cloud

More familiarly known as Gormley's Millennium Man, back in 1999 the Dome's oh-so-bright management stated their desire that this would become better known than the Angel of the North. Probably because it is (surprisingly) taller. Unfortunately, they failed to realise that where the Angel is on a hilltop and is a strong figure clearly visible for miles, the cloud can barely be seen from the north of the river, that few people will pass close by on the south side, and that the best view of the man inside is from a moving boat in the river. Ah. Also, you would not be blamed for thinking it was a pile of scrap iron.

However, you can see the figure of a man (yes, it's Gormley, again...) inside, and I'm rather fond of it.

More info here.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map (link should be to the "Streetview" version)
For the first 200 Map places, click here.

The Boat Race

After the weekend of the Oxford & Cambridge boat race (Oxford won), I thought it would be appropriate to remind you that all manner of other people use the Thames, like these Sons of the Thames". May the oars be with you.
(And for your Cockney Rhyming Slang edification, you may hear someone say, "You shoulda seen his boat" - Boat, Boat Race, Face)

Greenwich Means Time

On the day that we move the clocks forward to British Summer Time, I thought I'd show you the rather beautiful Dolphin Jubilee Sundial in the grounds of the Maritime Museum in Greenwich. It was made for the queen's Jubilee in 1977, and it is stuck on GMT. Find out more about sundials here There are a surprising number of sundials in London.

Stand by to repel boarders!

With the G20 conference coming to London this week, and the ensuing pitched battles predicted, this very businesslike gun emplacement (on the Greenwich Peninsular) could be useful to both sides. And here is a visualisation of quantitative easing (Warning: coarse and vulgar humour)

Manchester Square

Manchester Square is an elegant if unexceptional London Square. The feature of the square is the Wallace Collection, featured previously. It was when looking round for The Way We See It this week that I noticed these old wrought iron lamps, and the wonderful shapes they make. I couldn't decide which shot I liked best, here is the other.

Evelina Children's Hospital

There are few things more miserable than taking a child to hospital, so the Evelina Children's Hospital set out to build a hospital that doesn't look like a hospital. What a good idea.

This is the group that greets you by the entrance, and further images can be found here.

Battersea Power Station

Two years ago, it was going to be an entertainment complex. Now? A power station again, maybe. Battersea Power Station is London's biggest white elephant (now that the dome has a new existence) and from this angle - poking my camera through the gates on the eastern side - you can see how it is failing into disrepair. Still, some people love it.

Battersea Dog's Home

Battersea is probably best known for its dogs home. I never expected to get a photo for LDP because the exterior is so nondescript. At the moment, even that is covered up with hoarding.

But, as I was going past I looked and thought to myself - Photoshop!! and this is the result. You may have to look closer on the large image, but it WAS begging for it.

The Battersea Peace Pagoda

The first Peace Pagodas were in Hiroshima and Nagasaki designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. A lofty idea and a beautiful, if curious, thing. There are 80 around the world.

This Peace Pagoda is in Battersea Park, visible clearly from the northern bank of the Thames.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map
For the first 200 Map places, click here.

Ooo - can I have a lick of your ice cream?

There's actually quite a lot to talk about his sculpture, as it is to commemorate Bazalgette's completion of the Chelsea Embankment, but it seemed so perfect to express the joy of a sunny spring day in London. I'll leave it stand and fill in the detail another day.

Still Life with Beer, Menu and a Place Setting

It was almost a year ago I passed the outpost of Gordon Ramsay's empire that is The Narrow, said I'd go in and report back.

I can tell you that it was a resounding success, and an experience I would heartily recommend.

First, it does "pub" well - good location, good beer, good service at the bar. Then, the menu is crafted well for the location - good, honest food that make both the customer and restaurateur happy. Old favourites for example fish & chips, bangers & mash or what I had - pig cheeks - are all served impeccably cooked and with sauces and flavours that let you know that just that bit more trouble was taken over preparing it. I started with devilled kidneys, followed by pig cheeks and then rhubarb tart. The meal including drinks came to just over £40 a head, and I'd say that was excellent value.

The Eagle Hut, Aldwych

OK, so the picture is boring. I am in Aldwych, (eald wic in old English, or old settlement) an area dating back to the 7th Century looking around at stuff for The Way We See It. I saw this plaque, which interested me enough to find out that it was run by the YMCA as a social centre for the American servicemen and others in the first world war.

Still not enough reason to post a picture as boring as this, but then I found an old photo of the Eagle Hut, and an aerial version,too. So I changed my mind.

Want to see how grand it is now? Walk around with Google Street View.