The Gherkin

While I was standing there, I had to turn around and shoot the Gherkin, didn't I?

As I've said before, the Gherkin is one of my favourite London buildings, especially because of the way it changes according to where you are. Here are my previous photos of it: 1, 2, 3, 4

The Gherkin!

This is the view of the Gherkin I get as I cycle into work. It is one of those strange buildings whose character changes accroding to the context it is viewed. Here, you see it in its most bold presentation, and can easily see why it has been nicknamed the Gherkin - more a surprise it wasn't called anything ruder. The actual name is the SwissRe building - boring, isn't it? Quite a lot of people were against is at the design stage, probably less are now they can see it. I've always been an enthusiastic supporter of bold modern architecture, and I can happily live with buildings like this cheek by jowl with the very oldest London has to offer.

By the way, I'm begining to work out how to publish pictures properly on the blog... it can only get better.

Paul Butt, Danielle Carter, Tom Casey

As you look at the delightful reflection from the glass sides of the Gherkin, spend a moment to think about Paul Butt, 29, Danielle Carter, 15, and Tom Casey 49. They were the three who lost their lives today in 1992, when the IRSA blew up the Baltic Exchange where the Gherkin now stands.

Another helping of gherkin

It has been a while since I've had a photo of the Gherkin.

Will you take pickle with that?

Regular visitor Carolyn commented yesterday "what IS that monstrosity of a bullet building?" Of course, it is the Gherkin, or theSwiss Re building to give it its proper name. It is in St Mary Axe, and it replaces the Baltic Exchange that was destroyed by an IRA bomb. It's one of my favourite buildings and has appeared many times before, I love the way it changes character with how and where you see it. You can see what I was trying to do here with the reflection and the handles, not sure it works.

The Towers of London

I apologise for the ordinary quality of this photo, but when I turned around at the farm and saw these towers: 18th (church), 19th (brewery chimney), 20th (Nat West Tower from 1970's) and the 21st (the Gherkin), I knew I had to show you all. This is London.

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.

Whitechapel Week - Day 1 - The Towers of Babel

This week while I'm on holiday, the photos will all be from Whitechapel High Street. It is a curious place, a true melting pot.

Let's set the scene - this is what the street looks like looking west. I rather like the way the Gherkin and Tower 42 are lost in a city-soup of mist and pollution - a modern day confusion of Babel. On your left, London Hospital, on your right, the underground station and a market.


Daily posting will continue over the holiday period.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map

Self Portrait With Mirror & Lloyds

There's a very interesting piece popped up in the square just by the Gherkin, I don't think I can do anything but show you it again tomorrow.

The Future in the Making

You won't often see a building being demolished like this, from the ground up (three more times in London, max). This is the P&O building, making way for the Cheese Grater in Leadenhall Street, next to the Gherkin. Gherkins and cheese, what will they think of next.

Because of the way the building was constructed, it is being demolished from the ground to the top, then the core will be demolished from the top to the botton. Go and have a look while you can. Here's some appropriate backing music.

See where on London Daily Photo Map

St Helens Undershaft

The space at St Helen's Undershaft, between Lloyds of London and the Gherkin, has been turned into a mini sculpture park. The idea is to provide interest for people, this piece is called "Screen with Folded Arms", you wouldn't have guessed.

Reflections

While I was taking the picture for yesterday's post, I saw this opportunity: the sunlight reflecting off the gherkin and couldn't resist posting.

I'm on holiday for the next two weeks, posts continuing by magic, but I will not be able to answer comments.

Theme - A self portrait in a favorite place

This is my self portrait at the bottom of the gherkin.

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I'm on holiday for the next two weeks, posts continuing by magic, but I will not be able to answer comments.