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Monday 30 June 2008

Feel the wind in your hair

Prince Heinrich benz. Manufactured in 1910. One of only seven produced, capable of 135kph.
I found on display in the lobby of the St James hotel. (don't ask what I was doing there). Can just see myself in all the finery of the period speeding down the highway in this.

Sunday 29 June 2008

Carnival de Cuba

Southwark Park is a mini Havana all weekend. Family fun through to late night partying. Fly a ballon or dance the salsa.

Saturday 28 June 2008

Social Comment

I recently read an academics paper that graffiti plays a role in telling us that the world is not a beautiful place. Can't get much louder than this one.

Friday 27 June 2008

Bollywood in London

You saw it here first! This is an action shot in a Bollywood movie being filmed in Covent garden on Wednesday. The movie will be released around December. The story is a romance (of course, this is Bollywood), between a boy from India and a girl from London. Unfortunately I can't tell you what role these 3 women play in the movie. The name of the movie? seems it hasn't been decided yet.

Thursday 26 June 2008

A year!

Where did it go? A Glimpse of London began 1 year ago!
Thanks to all my visitors. A special thanks to those who have taken the time to leave comments.
I guess I will continue on for another year and try and produce better photos and more interesting sights.

Wednesday 25 June 2008

Arriving in London

The eurostar arriving in London from Paris passing over Regent's canal just as it approaches St Pancras Station.

Tuesday 24 June 2008

Cigars to Pens



Craven mixture, Craven A, Black Cat were amongst the brands of cigarettes sold by the Carreras Tobacco Company. By the 1920's increasing demand for their cigarettes meant they needed bigger premises. This incredible art deco building is the result. Such was its fame royalty were among the important guests that visited here. It continued as a cigarette factory until the Rothmans takeover in the late 1950's.

The building was used as offices, warehousing and artists studios for many years slowly falling into disrepair until it was restored in the 1990's.

Monday 23 June 2008

Humble Beginnings

This rather ornate tombstone can be found in the graveyard of the old St Pancras Church. Beneath it lie Sir John Soanes, his wife Elizabeth and his older son John (he fell out with his younger son George, blaming him for Elizabeth's death).

A brick layer's son born in 1753, he changed his name from Swan to Soanes, (is that how you sound posher?) he went on to become one of Britain's famous architects - hence the "Sir John".

The Bank of England building perhaps the most famous of his designs was, sadly, mostly demolished in the 1920's. Soane's tomb, originally designed for his wife, now one of only 2 tombs in London with a grade 1 heritage listing, was the inspiration for the design of Sir Giles Robert Scott's K2 Red Telephone Kiosk.

Sunday 22 June 2008

Canal Leisure

The canals and the walkways alongside them can be wonderful to escape the busy buzzing city all around you. The countryside right in the centre of a city. This chap had already caught 7 fish. Sorry I forgot what sort. I just knew you'd ask. This particular canal is part of Regent's Canal just under the Islington Tunnel and if you want to become knowledgeable on all there is too know about UK canals, then visit here.

Saturday 21 June 2008

We're cold too!

I know I keep going on about the lack of summer, but really when is it going to come. I'm not a fan of city pigeons but this lot did make me laugh all huddled together under the trees in front of Euston Station. Hey like it's my fault! I'm cold too in case you hadn't noticed.

Friday 20 June 2008

Skywatch Friday - Captured Grey

Sometimes the grey skies feel oppressive, like being caged. Let's hope for sunshine next week.

Check out other contributors to Sky Watch Friday on Wigger's World

Thursday 19 June 2008

Once upon a time

The corner store is a romantic notion that is not easy to find in a large city. I assume this building was once a corner store. Maybe even a pub. Given its proximity to St Pancras station it is probably earmarked for a new chain store. Maybe not. I will keep a watch out. Or maybe there is a city planner who can tell me.

Wednesday 18 June 2008

Old Tomb

This tomb and a few others, I discovered in the grounds of St Andrews church in Camden. I haven't been able to find much out about them. So I am off to find a book on the area. Maybe some Londoners can tell me more.

Tuesday 17 June 2008

Old Wall

In Roman times London was a walled city. Small sections of the wall still exist. This bit is near Tower Hill.

Wednesday 11 June 2008

Tuesday 10 June 2008

Carbon Footprint

No galleries, art being cool, fun and accessible. Well that's the aim of the art car boot fair at Brick Lane on Sunday. Will these footprints compensate for my next flight??

Sunday 8 June 2008

Buttercup

I think these ice-cream vendors are common in most cities. But isn't Buttercup such a lovely name for an otherwise not so wonderful ice-cream.

Saturday 7 June 2008

And the winner is...


There were about 50 submissions for the architectural students 'design a pavillion' contest. This was the winner. Erected in Bedford Square in February. A squirrel was very happy with it as well, running up and down the seats at the back.

Friday 6 June 2008

Sky Watch Friday - London Rooftops

Red sky at night - Am hoping it is true and that today will be a lovely sunny day.

Check out other contributors to Sky Watch Friday on Wigger's World

Thursday 5 June 2008

Exotic Malady

This is part of a rather exotic frieze of creepy crawly critters on London School of hygiene and tropical disease building. Gives you the urge to scratch doesn't it!

Wednesday 4 June 2008

Watching You

Street art hits mainstream gallery! This work by JR (the Parisian street artist/photographer) is (along with the work of 5 others) on the river side wall of the Tate.

No matter where you stand to view this work, his eyes and the lens of the video recorder look directly at you.

Tuesday 3 June 2008

Tin Pan Alley

Denmark St in Soho is London's (some say Europe's) best music street. Seems it has been known as Tin Pan Alley since the 20's. Was here with a friend seeking sheet music. Why else?

Monday 2 June 2008

Portobello Road

Portobello Road is probably one of the biggest and most well known of London's markets.

Sunday 1 June 2008

June Theme Day - Corner Store


This is London. The corner store is generally a pub or an imported coffee shop such as modern store like Starbucks. M & S (Marks & Spencer) is a London iconic store. It's been around since 1884 starting life as a stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market.

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