Veni. Vidi.

I got bored and went home. Westfield, Stratford. It's just shops. Shops, shops and more shops. Shops like you can see anywhere in the world. Under a roof without weather. Why on earth are people excited about it? Sure, it's a good thing for East London - everyone else has these shops, why shouldn't we - but there's nothing new here.

Dazzleships

If you don't recognise the reference of the title, you can read about it here. I was reminded of it last week outside the Excel. It couldn't be this wee as I wouldn't be allowed to stand there, as the arms fair is on. I very much like the Space Hijackers creative move to get publicity. Dazzle Ships was also the title of an OMD album)

The Meaning of Sport

Half of the National Portrait Gallery Road to 2012 exhibition deals with the people behind the administration, half with the frontline athletes. The athletes have been photographed, together with a a person who inspires them. I wanted to show you this image of Anna Sharkey, playing Goalball. The eye shade blackouts are worn by all, allowing even partially sighted players to compete on an even footing (and possibly prepare for a time when they have no sight). I feel humble. If I had doubts before, I don't now - I am going to the paralympics.

The Magician

I was fortunate to be invited to the National Portrait Gallery Road to 2012 exhibition. Everyone can go, for free, but we got treated to a talk by the curator, Anne Braybon, who conjured this show together. Here you see an example from the half of the exhibition showing the people behind the scenes. The photo is of Paul Deighton the Chief Exec of the games preparation.

Dead End Gate

There's a little park in the back of nowhere in Docklands where you can see the gates from the Harland and Wolff shipyard, from 1924, now defunct. I've always imagined that the pearly gates would look a little like this.

The Thames Barrier

Public access to the barrier and most of the photos are on the South bank, but you can get a vantage point on the North Bank - just not that easy to find by accident.

The Shard Again

I think I've found what is going to be the definitive point to take Shard photos from - More London. That's a name of the street, not a description of this blog.

Dear me

As promised, my favourite photo from the Thames Festival. And no, I can't tell you how dear it was.

At a loose end? Nothing loose here

It's the end of the summer and the Thames Festival time again, I would really recommend a visit. This year, there seem to be far more craft and small business stalls. Oh yes, and one or two people, too. I'll show some other photos over the next days for thise that can't make it.

What's your job like?

Does it involve a lot of hanging around?

The LSE is slipping

Or at least, it looks as if their fascia is, on their building in Kingsway. Another understated artwork that people can walk past every day without noticing - if they don't look up.

On the move....

Saw this amended road sign at the south end of Harley Street, what's so much fun is that nobody notices it.

The Softer Side of Docklands

Many people visit Canary Wharf and never discover the Jubilee Park, which is a shame. It is a most surprising area and a welcome place to sit on a sunny day to munch a lunch.

Docklands Reflections

Sometimes, I reflect on big buildings. Sometimes, they reflect on me.

The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum

And do you know what? It runs better. Often people think that you have to be crazy to cycle in London, but the truth is it's the best way to get about London, and on Sunday thousands of people go the chance to try it out on closed roads on the Skyride . It's an excellent start and a really good natured day.

Top Gun!

On Saturday and Sunday, a small corner of Docklands has been given over to become a piece of California for an open air showing of Top Gun and The Lost Boys, with added participation from cast/helpers and the audience. Around 8,000 paid the £25 needed to join in, I believe the event is sold out. I came across the cast members rehearsing earlier in the day - looked like a load of fun to be had. Facebook page here

The last days of summer

This year has been a bit of a miserable one weather wise, but this Friday and Saturday look set to be warm and cheerful - do make the most of them. (this was taken while I was out for a walk on Friday evening, on the Wanstead Flats, just near where I live)

The Eaton Rifles

This brass plaque around the back of Sloane Square puts me in mind of the Jam song, Eton Rifles, which has a fascinating story to it, I especially like the recent addition of Paul Weller's comment on David Cameron.

A Different Perspective

It's Monthly City Daily Photo theme day again, and the theme is Perspective. One thing for sure, this person has a different perspective on London life than you or I might have.

If you'd like to see how this has been interpreted around the world, click here to view thumbnails for all participants

We Love London

This piece of very Banksy-like graffiti appeared in Chiswell Street a little while back. As it seems to allude to the "war" between Banksy and Robbo, I don't think we can be certain who was responsible, can't even be certain if it says "I Love London, Robbo" or "I Love London Robbo", but that doesn't change much.

Sloane Square

Of course, if you don't feel like shopping in Chelsea (as in yesterday's photo) you can always take the weight off your feet in Sloane Square. That is free.

Hurry for a bargain!!

After all, they are half price.

This is Chelsea, after all.

Flowers in the street

It may be my imagination, but I think that the English habit of lining our towns and cities with flowers is echoed but never equalled around the world. I'm not laying claim to the idea, but I do think London looks exceptional at the moment, these flowers are just an ordinary lamp post in Westminster. Somehow adds a small connection between the city and the seasons in the real world.

The Alternative Apple Store

Unfortunately, I don't know the whole story, but I was passing through Soho Square and came across this picture of mountains and a Buddhist temple made out of apples. I don't know why, and don't know who was responsible (although I suspect the Hare Krishna whose excellent Govinda restaurant is just nearby).

Getting Ready

Unusually, I was travelling by tube today, and I thought this advert - getting ready for the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend - was quite clever. It was also good to see that Brian is spreading his wings and branching out into modelling.

A Person of Colour

This new piece of graffiti, just off Brick Lane, has some of the most complex use of colour I have ever seen in street art, it would be good to see more of this person's art - I wonder who it is.

Owzat?

OK, maybe it's just me, but I can't pass by this building without thinking of a game of cricket, "Well caught, old chap". It is, however, the site of the ancient well that gave Clerkenwell its name. If you peer through the windows you can just about see it, it was rediscovered during building works in the 20's.

Spaced Out

Across London and the UK there are hundreds of reasonably elegant buildings like this to let. The reason? These buildings used to be needed to house the millions of clacking relays used to drive the telephone exchanges. Now, all the equipment that used to take up this whole building can be housed in a single computer cabinet.

The Devil is in the Detail

Well, maybe not the devil, but certainly the Green Man, and quite a lot of him too. More than you might expect from a respectable house in Harley Street.

Mosaic

Eduardo Paolozzi has featured here before, in fact I think he is probably the single most significant modern sculptor in London. These mosaics are truly fantastic, but most people take no notice and just rush past, as they form part of the wall decoration in Tottenham Court Road underground station. If you haven't noticed them before, next time you pass through, take the time stop and look at them properly - they are worth it.

Sir might enjoy the oysters?

Astonishing though it is now, at the beginning of the 19th century oysters were cheap and very much a working class food. I suppose the change must have been well underway when Sheeky's oyster bar opened at the end of the 19th century. Joseph Sheekey was the market stall-holder who in 1893 was graciously allowed by Lord Salisbury to sell fish and shellfish on his new manor of St Martin's Court, provided he served meals to Salisbury's theatre-going pals. These days its reputation seems a little variable.

Red Carpet Treatment

Passing through Leicester Square on Wednesday evening, there was a scrummage over the red carpet. Turned out that it was the premiere of The Inbetweeners (which I had to find out was a TV sit-com) and that I managed to capture James Buckley signing stuff.

Barking Creek

One hundred and sixty years ago, Barking Creek was home to London and England's largest fishing fleet. It is a little quieter these days.

Elvis has left the building

Thirty four years ago on the 16th of August, Elvis Presley died. I heard that the theatre showing Million Dollar Quartet was holding a contest with free tickets to the show for anyone who turned up dressed as Elvis. As I was in the area, I thought I'd capture the moment for you all, but ..... nobody turned up. Not even the East End Elvises. Where has our spirit gone?

Holiday Snap #1 - The Monastry at Petra

I always share a photo or two, so here is the monastery at Petra, Jordan. Dating from the 1st century BC, it is not built but hewn out the rock, as are all the buildings in Petra (including the Treasury, the most famous of the Petra sights and known to all from the Indiana Jones movie). To get up here, you have to climb around 800 steps but it is worth it. You can read more about Petra on the Wikipedia page.

The Aftermath

Hi all, I'm back! Wasn't that some fuss while I was away? Everyone I met was fascinated to talk to someone who came from where the troubles were. Now that is ironic. Take note US readers ;-)

My locality, Ilford, was amongst the areas reported as having disturbances so I had to go to see what there was to see. And what was there to see? precious nothing, one shop with a window boarded up. Turns out that most of the action was around the back doors where people were breaking in to steal. And they are looking for social reasons for rioting? Do me a favour. Lowlife thieves, the lot of them.

Danger of Death

That notice on the left, showing a person being struck down is not, regrettably, the architect that designed this power station. Did we not learn anything from the Victorians? Ugly things don't have to look ugly.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir

A little bit of detail from the stonework of the temple, but it does nothing to convey the magnificence. Do go an d look, it is open to all, all week long. (I haven't been inside yet, but I shall - no photos allowed inside though)

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

All Inclusive Temple

I had heard about the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir when it opened last year, it made the news, but has taken me till now to go past. I was left speechless, it is a true work of art, and should be on every Londoner's itinerary to visit. A photo of some detail tomorrow.


Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is one of those building that is quite pleasing to look at, but quite difficult to photograph as it is very large, and stuck in an industrial wasteland. Still you get the idea of the vast roof arch, anyway. Trivia of the day, that arch has to have warning beacons for low flying aircraft.


Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you want to say goobye to Golders Green?

This sums up Golders Green today. A once grand shop turned into a coffee house with a small sad dog sat outside. Probably deeply meaningful.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you hear a trumpet?

Golders Green is also known as one of London's main neighbourhoods for orthodox Jews, which makes it an excellent place if you want to pick up a ram's horn or shofar

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you want the large size?

Along Golders Green High Road, and everything has changed over the years. This ugly sixties shop still manages to raise some degree of affection, as you really don't find many independent shops like this any more. There may be a reason for that....

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you like quality?

Into Golders Green proper, and the quality of the architecture when it was designed is quite astonishingly good. Unfortunately that didn't last through the sixties.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you pray?

The Golders Green Hippodrome was for years one of the more interesting off-west end venues. For many years run by the BBC ("...Friday Night is MUSIC night"), they left it empty and deteriorating. At least this church seems to be looking after it well.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you remember?

The war memorial at Golders Green tells the same story - there are not that many in London that commemorate only the dead of the Second World War.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you feel like confessing?

Moving up Finchley Road, we find the church of St Edward the Confessor, built in 1915, the castle like aspect may have been to defend themselves from the hordes of builders that must have been around at the time.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you feel fortunate?

We're off to North West London for a few days, now. It's an interesting area dating as it does from the thirties and forties. Temple Fortune was the gateway to Hampstead Garden suburb, but has always seemed to me to be the poor relation.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Do you give a flying buttress?

This space is at the bottom of one of the City's new skyscrapers, the Broadgate Tower. I think this modern interpretation of flying buttresses is rather good, and I'd like to think they help hold it up as well.

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.

Postcard From London

It's the monthly worldwide City Daily Photo theme day again, and this month the theme is "Postcardworthy". Well, a chicken and banana fighting outside Oxford Circus Underground would be worth sending, wouldn't it?

To see how others around the world have treated this theme, click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Holiday time again, so blog is set to autopilot, see you all in August sometime.