Say it with pictures - Art Against Knives

One of the incumbents of the pop-up mall "Boxpark" (shown a few days ago) is an example of what can sometimes be done to bring some good out of bad, when approached with determination. What they are doing is trying to develop youth-led and community-driven projects to turn youngsters away from knife violence.

Looking On

Here's one reason to go to Westfield in Stratford - the view from John Lewis department store. They do make the attempt to part you from your money, they have a cafe operational, plus you have to walk past shelves and shelves of instantly forgettable souvenirs, but the view from here is free and open to all.

Break a Record

I've long felt an association with Julian Richer of Richer Sounds, he and I are near contemporaries and I've been buying HiFi from him for nearly as long as he has been selling it - my first JVC JRS-100 is still doing service as the amp for my PC. For those not familiar, Richer Sounds is a London business that sells proper HiFi for reduced prices and has held the Guinness record for retail value per square foot for more than 20 years.

King Edgar

I'm always fascinated by the thought of what would happen if e stepped out of our time into another. London is one of the few places that has a record of substantial human activity for thousands of years. 1200 years ago, King Edgar gifted land near here, perhaps the very same as I am standing on - to his knights who undertook three tasks. Devonshire Square is the location of this memorial; for a hollow sculpture this has an amazing amount of life.

Coffee in the Nude

In the mass market, fast food world we love in, it is refreshing to come across something a little different - especially if you appreciate coffee. Nude Espresso is the work of a New Zealander who has made London his home, and roasts and produces some of the finest coffee anywhere. They have a few branches, but you can also drop into their roastery here off Brick Lane and buy fresh roasted coffee to take home. Isn't the smell of coffee roasting still one of the finest experiences?

March Theme Day - Electricity

The Worldwide City Daily Theme Day for March is Electricity, so here is the Battersea Power Station, a relic from the days when these powerhouses were built to keep London running. These days it is much harder to find a use for an icon like this, and various schemes have been floated over the years, including a theme park, houses, shops, you name it. It just so happens, if you have a bright idea and £500 Million to spare, this is just the right time - could you save this wonderful building?

To see how others around the world have interpreted the theme, Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Young Lovers

Before moving away from St Pauls, I'd like to show you this sculpture by Georg Ehrlich, called "Young Lovers". On the day after the capitalism protesters were removed from the forecourt in front of St Pauls, consider that this representation of peace and love amongst the madness of the city is still just behind.

Let's Get Biblical

It always seemed to me that there's an awful lot of smiting in the bible, in this case it is the rock that's catching in, and the fountain (or trickle in this instance) is the result. Appropriately enough you can find this around St Paul's Cathedral.

Let's Adore and Endure

What's nice about this piece is that the artist, Steve Powers is a New Yorker. Pieces like this serve to demonstrate that we have more in common than we have separating

Getting on my goat

Spitalfields hosts odd bits of art from time to time. I'm not certain of the reason or logic behind choosing a mountain goat but it livens up the square, anyway.

Truman Brewery

These days it's the heart of a trendy, lively retail and art... thingy. It's not that many years ago when it was a simple industrial area, making the stuff that everyone wanted - alcohol.

Cookie Monster

You probably don't remember what was one of the first computer viruses. On those old green phosphor screen, the words "Give me a cookie" popped up and stayed there till you typed in "cookie". That was it. All seems very harmless now, doesn't it? This version is in behind Brick Lane in the Truman Brewery yard.

Dreaming of a Butterfly

In Smithfield there is this astonishing display of what looks like captive butterflies in jars, fluttering about, until you realise they are mechanical. Looking at the website it appears that they react to the sound around them. Also, unfortunately, they may be gone by now (the website says it closes on 18th Feb) but these things often hang around a little longer. I'm sorry if I am too late with this information.

What's Your Impression?

One of the things about the proliferation of street art is that some rather good artists use it as their gallery - in this case James Cochran.

What a GOOD idea

Many of you, knowing my predilection for cycling, might be surprised that I hadn't tried the TfL Cycle Hire Scheme (Often known unfairly as Boris Bikes, as it was Ken who kicked off the idea). The reason being, most of the time I'm on my own bike so have no need of a second. But recently, I found myself in town without my bike and needing to get about. I thought "Time to hire a bike!"

I rolled up to a machine, inserted a credit card, followed the instructions and minutes later was wheeling away my bike, only £1 poorer for a full day bike hire! Is there better value to be had anywhere in the London Transport system? The first 30 minutes are free, so most times you will pay no more to travel anywhere in central London. The bikes themselves initially feel heavy, but are remarkably comfortable and sure footed. What a good idea they are.

Popping Up

"Pop Up" seems to be the word of the decade: Pop up restaurant, Pop up nightclub, pop up pop up. I suspect it is both a way for the instigators to make the popped up thing more attractive, alluring and trendy whilst providing an outlet for enterprises and ideas that might not otherwise see the light of day. Diamond Geezer stumbled on Boxpark (what you see here, a - possibly a London and world first - pop up shopping centre) just as it opened and provides an overview of what he saw.

St Mary Le Bow

"Yer a cockney if yer born in the sahnd of Bow Bells" is a common saying, but relatively few know that the Bow Bells are here, in St Mary le Bow, Cheapside. A church with a thousand year history, most recently rebuilt after being bombed in WWII, the history of the bells is fascinating in its own right. The interior is truly magnificent, though.

An Eponymous Carving

Often in London, as in other places, the local architecture reflects something about the locality it stands in. This keystone is part of the arch in a building above the entrance to Honey Lane in Cheapside.


I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Putting the Butch into Butcher

Barbecoa is a combined restaurant and butcher in the One New Change development, by St Paul's Cathedral. As long as you are not a vegetarian, this place is bound to get you salivating, the meat looks so good. It is actually worth a detour to see, the fridges are all glass walled.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

The Old Bailey

The Central Criminal Court, or Old Bailey as it is better known, has a history dating back to the 17th Century, until the 20th Century the condemned were hanged just outside. These figures above the main entrance are bound to have significance, but I'm not sure what it is.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Less Love in Paternoster Square

In a move to outwit the Occupy London campaigners and stop them moving into their precious square, the Paternoster Square management have filled it up so nobody can use it. Actually for all that slightly snide comment, I have more than a little sympathy for them, it is rather a shame that they have to, though.


I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Mita Tyre Chains from Exeros Technologies, A Review - Conclusion - Fail.

We interrupt this blog to bring you a review of - tyre chains. Sorry about this, you have the opportunity to tune out now. If you are interested, these are the new Universal fit tyre chains from Blumec in Italy and supplied in the UK by Exeros Technologies Ltd, you can read their page on the chains here.

These chains are quite special because they claim they will fit onto any tyre. No other chain on the market can offer that. They also look as if they provide excellent grip and pack in a compact shape. For these reasons, I thought I would try them.

This review will cover my experience with the chains and Exeros as well. Rather than take up space on this page, I'll give you my very brief conclusions here, and link to the full review. Be warned, I ramble on for pages.

Conclusions:

The Blumec Mita Tire Chains? Lovely idea, but it really isn't there yet, In my view there are better products on the market available for less money. Exeros Technologies Ltd? I'd say they set out to do the right thing, but my experience with them was a bucketful of fail.

To read the entire review click here

Normal daily photo continues either side of this post.

My Heart Goes Out to You All

The British Heart Foundation have come up with a great idea for Valentine's day - give them £1 and put a message of love in their window, an idea worthy of support.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Devonshire Oblong

Devonshire Square is an old Georgian Square that has given its name to a new development between Bishopsgate and Aldgate. This area here, in the shadow of the Gherkin is covered over so al fresco addicts can sit out whatever the season or weather.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Not So Black Cab

We still refer to them generically as Black Cabs, but of course in recent years they are often far from black. It means the driver can earn a little more, but I rather liked the old monotone.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

End of the Line

Liverpool Street Station is a little strange. It started life as a standard Victorian station with the high vaulted glazed cast iron roof needed to cope with steam trains. When it was redeveloped in the sixties (maybe early seventies) they covered over half the station so they could sell off land to build on, and the Broadgate Centre was born. Because of its geography there are high walkways (with, yes you guessed it, shops)that let you look down on the people scurrying around.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Riding By

The main line train ride from Stratford to Liverpool Street Station passes close by the Olympic Park, and offers one of the best views. At least if the windows were clean, it would.

I'm off for a while, as ever the posts should keep rolling.

Wild Wild Wood

Most of the London snow thawed on Monday and Tuesday but the cold has settled round us. I thought I'd use that as an excuse for another picture from Saturday, taken in my local park. I can't decide whether it looks more abstract or more threatening. Whichever it is, I rather like it.

Spraying at a Theatre

Here's a tip: In classical theatre, sitting in the front row is not always the best thing, if you don't like getting sprayed. These Italian looking fountains are in the inner courtyard of the Barbican Centre.

Votive Offering - Siobhan Benita for Mayor

How would you describe the commitment needed to put yourself forward as an independent candidate for the Mayor of London? I don't know about you, but I would have great difficulty putting either of the main party candidates down as a first preference. Whichever I'd choose (OK, here's a secret, it wouldn't be Boris) there's far too much baggage with each for comfort.

When I came across Siobhan Benita's campaign for the post, I was pleasantly surprised. Her policies are realistic and probably achievable, she appears to have no particular minority drum to beat, all in all she seems credible. Resigning her job to take up the challenge is true London spirit, even though logic says she doesn't stand a cat's chance against the main party machines. If she gets enough votes, what she says WILL make a difference to the other candidates, too. I'd love to share in the dream that she might just win....

I'll be featuring more about her, her ideas and campaign over the coming weeks, if I get the chance. In the meantime, if this appeals to you, she now needs signatories to get past the next stage of qualifying, and you can help. Go to her website, click on "Get Involved", the next page asks for your eMail, enter it in and click through to the next page, you will get the opportunity to add yourself as a signatory and, optionally, to add yourself to the mailing list. Go on, you know it makes sense.

'Sno Fun

London is currently in the grip of the elements. Well, we've had a few inches of snow, so everything grinds to a halt. You can still have some fun, though.

Monster Munch

Do you have a problem finding that gift for a little (or big) monster? Fear and tremble not, for help is at hand. Head on over to Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, the purveyor of fine comestibles for the ogre under your bridge.

You may suspect that all this is all the work of some dastardly monster PR push trying to put forward the acceptable face of monsters, ghouls and terrors whilst covering up a hidden, nefarious agenda. And you would be right! This is all a front, a cover up, to the Ministry of Stories, a "creative writing and mentoring centre for young people in east London. We use storytelling to inspire young people aged 8-18, in the belief that writing unleashes their imaginations and builds confidence, self-respect and communication" Founded by Nick Hornby, among others, all the services are provided by volunteers.

Have a poke around their sites (as long as you have the Monster pop up setting disabled on your browser, you should be safe, but I'm not guaranteeing anything) and be prepared to have your cold monster heart warmed to the cockles.

(Those on Twitter may enjoy following @MonsterSupplies)

One Love

This mural is the work of Otto Schade and can be found in Hoxton Street. What is not immediately obvious is that his face is made up of words from the titles of Bob Marley's songs.

The Diner, The Waitress

I was very pleased to discover The Diner in Curtain Road, especially because the service was excellent, too.

Say Cheese

I remember when the first International Cheese Shop opened in Goodge Street in 1987 (I was working just around the corner), it was a revelation. They had a brilliant idea - not only could they sell great cheese, but they could make sandwiches out of the cheese, too. This, for a cheesophile, was heaven. These days it is all a lot more ordinary to find that type of thing, but the decent cheese sandwich lives strong. This shop is in Liverpool Street station, there are others in Victoria and Marylebone Stations.

February Theme Day - Animals

Another first of the month and another theme day around the worldwide City Daily Photo community. Teh theme this month is "Animals" and in London there is the monument to the animals that died in war - "Because they had no choice". You can find it at the top end of Park Lane

To see how others around the world interpreted the theme, click here to view thumbnails

Angels in the Architecture

He looks around, around
He sees angels in the architecture
Spinning in infinity

This angel can be seen floating in the void above the vehicle Silk Street entrance to the Barbican, and you will also come across it if you take the Highwalk from the Barbican Centre to London Museum; look out for it.

And the Paul Simon track? You can see the video of him and Chevy Chase here.

Mummy Loves Andrex

Turns out that this new talent on London streets is Teddy Baden; it seems a little unfair to describe him as sub-Banksy but that's the way it feels. I have featured his work before without knowing it, though.

Local Library - London Style

Following on from yesterday, I bring you the central London equivalent. Recently the occupation movement, taking over empty buildings and spaces in the city, have popped up all over the place. This entrance way to an empty building just of Finsbury Square (secured against occupation) has been taken over as a spontaneous library. There may be more, but the books appear a lot more forlorn than in the phone box.

Local Library

Not strictly London, as this is in a Hertfordshire village outside the M25, but I thought you might enjoy seeing the use to which a telephone box has been put.

The Writing on the Wall

It's interesting that a recent art experiment in London Underground is made to look almost like graffiti - this campaign asked people to submit stories of acts of kindness for publishing. You can read more here. It was apparently active in the lead up to Christmas, but can still be seen.

Metro-Land

John Betjeman, seen here in St Pancras Station, is associated in most people's mind with Metro-Land, the distillation of the suburbs made accessible byt he train. You can read more about Metro-Land here.

The Saucer Has Landed

I was quite surprised to come across the new futuristic entrance to Kings Cross Station, this is the one you would use to get to St Pancras International.

In Charge of the Money

The Government buildings in Whitehall are quire remarkable in themselves, but few take the time to look at them closely. Let me fix that for you. This is the Treasury building, they've been swiping our money for over a thousand years, you can read a potted history here.

Xin Nian Long Kuai Le

A very happy Year of the Dragon to all my Chinese visitors. I do have a number of photos of the dragons in London, but to be honest in most of them St George is doing the dirty. Given the cosmopolitan nature of our city, I thought I'd use a photo taken in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Whichever, a very happy, healthy and prosperous (Chinese) New Year to you all. Not sure I've added the Mandarin for dragon (long) in the grammatically correct place, but my Mandarin is getting very rusty.

A Different Age

There was a time when having a name in a different language, especially French, added an air of j'ne sais quo, an air of sophistication. If this shop had "Ladies Hairdresser" above the door, you would expect it to be somewhere other than Maida Vale around the corner from Little Venice.

The Italian Connection

The Italian Garden in Hyde Park is where the River Westbourne entered, if you would like to read about this lost river Diamond Geezer is one of the better resources, otherwise just enjoy how fresh and... Italian.... this area looks.

Getting Your Ducks in a Row

OK, they are gulls, not ducks, but you get the idea.

A Lost Lady

There is a lot of room in Hyde Park for any number of statues and memorials, this one is a little strange. I have no idea who it is, or what it commemorates, it appears to be a nymph with a sturgeon curled around her waist. The stone looks as if it is at least 200 years old, possibly more, but the face is still quite fine with unusual detail. Anyone know anything more?

A wondrous bird

Oh, a wondrous bird is the pelican!
His bill holds more than his bellican.
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week.
But I'm darned if I know how the hellican.

You can find this couple in London's St James Park