Hear Ye, Hear Ye

In Camden Lock, they have employed a town crier to clang his bell, and wear a coat modelled suspiciously after the Yeoman's with an almost royal looking crest on the back. Tourists seems to enjoy him, and he can play the trumpet quite well, too.

Mongol Hordes Hit London

The innocuous and fun Jelly Babies have been replaced by the more controversial figure of Genghis Kahn in the centre of Marble Arch. Strange choice, nice enough sculpture.

Put Out More Flags!

London is getting ready for the Queen's Jubilee celebration, and Oxford Street and Regent Street are resplendent in their rows of the Union flag. The title alludes to Evelyn Waugh's novel of the same name, which I would sincerely recommend anyone that hasn't read it to do so, it is very funny.

London, You're Beautiful

This is the other part of the diptych. Photograph and sketch.

Every now and then, I get asked to review something, promote something, through this blog. If I like it, I tell you about it, I don't have a problem with that arrangement.

Penguin Books contacted me and asked if I would like a copy of David Gentleman's new book, "London You're Beautiful", I said yes. I didn't expect it to be an absolute gem of a book - this guy has spent a year going around London, sketching, painting and this book is the result. I love it to bits - I know so much of what is in there, I know where he stood, what he saw, his images are the opposite side of a photograph, not so much the picture as the feeling.

This image is a very small one in his book, but it so illustrates what I mean. If you love London, you will love this book.

I don't think I will be able to resist posting more images, I hope the publishers don't mind, in future I will publish them side by side. I am certainly going to be finding out more about the man ... and seeing if I can afford any of his work.

You can read more reviews and information in these links: 1, 2, 3, you can buy it here: London, You're Beautiful: An Artist's Year

A Diptych - Part One

I have a conundrum, that will become clear tomorrow. I have a format that say I put one photo of my own online each day, like this peacock feather vendor. It's a simple enough concept but I now have a problem, that this photo of mine has a counterbalance. All will be revealed.

Draw London

I came across this group of foreign students having great fun making their own pictures and memories of London. I have no idea whether it was a set task or just something they chose to do.

On the top of the world

It doesn't have to be that high. Just about any semi-high building gives you a great new perspective on your view, and the Blue Fin building is one of those. Have a look at the rooftop garden just across the way and try not to be jealous.

The Start of Something Big

Make no mistake, this is a big deal. I got invited backstage to what's happening at Blackfriars Station where they are putting the finishing touches to the only station to span the Thames. The re-make has been incredibly thorough and delivers a station that is fit for the 21st century, and unifies the North & South. What you are looking at, are the western platforms, converted from the straight through line to the terminating one, to help smooth the flow of trains from London Bridge onwards. I may well have more to say about it tomorrow, in the meantime here is a time lapse video of the construction.

Ordinary Londoners - making things for you

Not part of the series, as I didn't find out anything about him, he is one of the astonishingly numerous workers behind the scenes at Blackfriars Station. At one time, it would appear, that there were two thousand workers on site. It all goes to give a sense of how much effort has to go into making the infrastructure that keeps us moving. One of the best things about the station (not yet in place) will be the glass sides of the platforms, giving a brilliant view of the Thames as you wait for your train.

Life is Beautiful

But sitting in the cold waiting for people to buy stuff probably isn't.

Nash Terraces - Part II

And look, here we are, one of the grandest streets in London certainly, the world possibly. Did you ever wonder about the name "Regent" Street? Probably not, but it was named after John Nash's patron, the then Prince Regent who later became George IV. Predating Houseman Haussmann in Paris and probably providing the inspiration, in 1811 Nash designed this grand street to cut a swathe through London's old Medieval street pattern.

Nash Terraces - Part I

John Nash together with his Royal sponsor, George IV transformed London, creating some of the grandest sweeps of buildings in London or anywhere. This shot is of some of those outside Regents Park, for my money one of the most exclusive and desirable residences anywhere in London.

Through Mud & Blood

The official motto of the Royal Tank Regiment is "Fear Naught". The unofficial one, recognised on this recent monument behind Whitehall is " "From Mud, Through Blood to the Green Fields Beyond", which says it all, really.

Still Standing Still

You can see these street artists worldwide, but the density of them in Covent Garden and the Southbank must be one of the highest. Don't suppose they cause any harm, but after seeing one the novelty quickly fades.

Messing About on Boats

Given the importance of the river in London, it's no surprise there is a dedicated Police force.

An Orange Church

This church is Protestant, but the title comes from the street it is in - Orange Street behind the National Gallery. Actually, I reckon the street was named after the church, as it has been here since 1686. I love the way the big buildings are trying but failing to squash it, Isaac Newton lived next door, but his house was demolished before WWI. You can read more about the church on their website here.

A Thing of Beauty

Sometimes, I think it would be very nice to have the money it would take to acquire something like this. Found in the Lalique shop in Conduit Street, this piece - Dragon Volant - is one of 88 individually handmade made using the Cire Perdu (lost wax) process.If you want to have a look at what else they do here is theLalique Website. Don't seem to have many prices, though.

Up on the roof

While we're looking up in the air, it is worth pointing out the roof of Covent Garden, which has this charming statue of a half-nekkid girl, cornucopia and cherub where nobody will normally see it. I think it dates back to its tiem as a vegetable market, but I wouldn't swear to that.

May Theme Day - Bakeries

Another worldwide city theme day, this time for May and the theme is Bakeries. The days are long gone when bakers could afford premises in Central London. This frieze above what is now an office block in Artillery Row is all that remains from that time. Inside, they built a sloping floor to help transport the flour.

Click here to see how others around the world have interpreted the theme.

Up and Away! London's New Cable Car

No, it's not ready yet, but there are some cars running with workmen in them. Diamond Geezer has been following the developing story.

Spikey Stuff

Before wandering out of Docklands I give you a spikey sculpture on the vomit-inducingly named "Cartier Circus" on the entrance to Canary Wharf. No plaque, no more information.

Looking back

Six and a half years ago (yes, I have been doing this that long), there were horses grazing by here in Docklands, they are long gone, but the old Tidal Basin pub is still derelict. Won't be long before the developers arrive,

Aeolus

Aeolus is a magnificent sculpture in Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf. The genius of it is that it is a giant musical instrument, with the wind playing all the notes. If you follow the link to Luke Jerram, the artist's page, you will find that not only is it for sale, but you can listen to it yourself wherever you are.

Die-in to meet you

There's something unusual about this photo, as I didn't take it. Instead, I am participating in the mass die-in outside Addison Lee offices on Monday evening. You can read more about it here if you wish.

This photo courtesy of David Firn, set here I'm not in any, other photos in which I also appear here, I'm easy to recognise as I am the only one is short sleeves and shorts.

Note - Damn and blast blogger. They've changed their interface and this post - scheduled for Wednesday at around 11:30 on the night before failed to post just after midnight, as normal. My apologies, hopefully normal service will be resumed on Friday, I will leave this up on Thursday.

Water Station

My favourite photo from the marathon day.

L33t Running

I was down at the London Marathon course on Sunday. Never mind the elite runners like these right at the top of the pack , making as if they are running 100m, anyone that runs 26 miles has my respect, and there were an awful lot of them (35,000)

Trafalgar Square

The eagle eyed may have noticed that the first post today was in fact a duplicate of one a couple of days ago. As someone has already commented on it, I won't delete it but here is a shot of Trafalgar Square, to help make up.

What Happened to Protest?

Seems to me that the youth of today appear preoccupied by material objects, rather than ideas. I don't want to paint them as uncaring, but it is hard to imagine anything like, say, Rock Against Racism starting up now. This display of activist placards comes out over weekends on the Southbank to remind us.

Just an Ordinary Office

Until you look at the price tags (£4,599 for the chair) and you realise that it is a room setting in the Conran shop window.

Eccentric Display

This rather odd display is the work of a flat dweller along the Uxbridge Road in Acton, on my commute. Not sure what the theme is, but it is fun.

Herron und Damen

The herons in Regents Park on the boating lake (and there are a surprising number of them) all appear to be pairing up for their spring ..... springing. I sort-of assume the different plumage on these two represents different gender, but I am happy to be corrected.

The Shoal

This is The Shoal, an installation intended to brighten up, (or more realistically, hide) the Stratford Centre for the Olympic visitors. Diamond Geezer wrote it up a while back, when it first started appearing.

London's Elephants - No. 42 in the Series

These elephants are part of the decorations inside Shaka Zulu, a restaurant/lounge bar/club deep underground in Camden Town. It's not the cheapest place, but if you are looking for exotic surroundings, it certainly ticks that box.

The elephants series is here.

Over the Fence

There are a few places where you can view bits of London Zoo from the outside. The Regents Canal has a few areas, but this one, just off the Outer Circle along St Marks Square (which is a long, straight road through the park, and not a square) is probably the best. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the new penguin enclosure. You'll see where - the ground is rather worn by the fence.

Fast approaching

We are getting there - this Olympic panorama is all is going to look a lot more slick in a short while.Notice, the Shard in background.

Green Oasis

If you find yourself in Central London around Trafalgar Square, and you are looking for somewhere nice to eat lunch, here is my suggestion: Whitehall Gardens just by Northumberland Avenue and the Embankment. During the week it is mostly busy, as all the locals from the ministry buildings know about it but at weekends it is normally pleasantly calm.

Whose side are you on?

This collection of political posters and placards come out on weekends on the Southbank. I'm not certain what the integrity of the displayers is, but I suspect that they sincerely see something wrong with the current political environment. Not hard, that.

A Room for London

Combined artwork and hotel (for two people only), this is possibly the most exclusive place to stay in London. All the nights have sold out now, but the website suggests that they might find another place for it in years to come, I hope they do.

Barefoot in London

A small piece of the Southbank was taken over by an invitation to take off your shoes, as part of the One Day Without Shoes, an invitation to consider what life is like for those millions of children who have no shoes.

Someday my plinth will come

... on a rocking horse. The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square is at present occupied by this, Powerless Structures Fig. 101 by Elmgreen and Dragset.

London Lightscape

Walking past the entrance to Somerset House, I was struck by the way the light flooded the interior.

The Senate and the People of Rome - in London

More in the spirit of continuing the Museum of London Londinum through a lens than promoting this restaurant in Whitehall (Called SPQR, but which I don't think I'd be seen dead in, to be frank) I bring you another Roman Connection. The Invisible Man (a cyclist after my own heart) has an interesting take on cycle lanes, too.

SPQR has interesting connotations, I particularly like the Spanish backronym "San Pedro Quiere Rosquillas" - Saint Peter wants donuts - used to remember the order of the SPQR letters.

The exhibition looks at the parallels between modern and Roman London.It opens in June and features a map that will be made up of images showing Roman influences in London today. They are encouraging photographers to submit their photos and hoping it becomes a really fun, visual and engaging insight into the Roman legacy in modern London. Details of how to submit photos via email or Flickr are on http://www.flickr.com/groups/OL2012/pool/map

London Streetscape

The normal landscape I present is a streetscape, and it occurred to me that I very infrequently present the "tourist" shots, so I thought I would fix that. Here, you are looking from the Jubilee footbridge west along the embankment.

London Landscapes

I ought to try more landscape photography on my way around London, but I'm not often inspired. this view is inside Regents Park.

The Low Flying Squad

If you look at any old cops & robbers film, the Flying Squad always came out of Scotland Yard - the real one not the new one. These days, the squad that is housed in there moves a little slower.

At the Royal Haymarket - One Man Two Guvnors

The sumptuous interior of the Theatre Royal Haymarket is the setting for One Man Two Guvnors, one of the most excellent, hilarious plays to come out of late, with direct links to restoration comedy. Slapstick, innuendo, farce, pathos, it's got it all. Excellent script, excellent cast. Go see.

It started in Paris...

The first I knew about this trend was from Paris about two years ago, lovers fixing padlocks to a bridge across the Thames. Now, they are appearing on the Hungerford (Or Jubilee) footbridge, on the western side. Not entirely sure how I feel about it yet, but it makes for a good photo opportunity.

London & Paris

Funny how these sort of cafe tables and chairs are so reminiscent of Paris, I don't think there is a London equivalent. For the avoidance of doubt, this is London, in Bedford Street, Covent Garden

Harping on about the weather

It has been utterly glorious in London over the last week, Not all pubs have access to outside space this pub in Chandos Place, Covent Garden, tries to make the best it can. Happy April.