Gordon Square, WC1, The Way We See It.
“Gordon Square was developed along with Tavistock Square, by Thomas Cubitt. Originally a private square, it’s now owned by the University of London and is open to all.
John Maynard Keynes lived here, along with Vanessa Bell. There’s some interesting architecture too, especially the Church of Christ the King.”
Wyndham Place, W1H, The Way We See It.
“Off to a favorite little place of mine this week – although there’s not a great deal to see, it’s somewhere that’s always epitomised why I love London; you walk along anonymous streets and suddenly come across something quite spectacular.
So we’re off to Wyndham Place in Marylebone. The spectacular in this case, is the wonderful St.Mary’s Church, built by Robert Smirke.
You’d be forgiven for thinking who? But you will certainly know some of his work – the facade of the British Museum, Canada House in Trafalgar Square and the east wing of Somerset House. It’s quite a startling church and what’s lovely is how it seems to just sit in this haven from the busy and tightly packed streets.
“This week we are going to take it nice and easy with a street packed with contemporary (ish) history and lots to see. Frith Street is in the heart of Soho and has some very famous locations, from the lovely seedy Bar Italia to the equally seedy Ronnie Scott’s.
One of my favourite haunts of the past was the Dog and Duck, an imperceptibly small pub. If you think it’s crowded downstairs, try upstairs for a sardine experience.
It a street that’s buzzing no matter what time of day, but certainly comes to life after dark.”
Endell Street, WC2, The Way We See It.
“This week we’re heading to Neal Street’s little sister, Endell Street. At first look it’s a poor companion; sure there’s a few nice trendy shops and cafes and stuff, and also a wonderfully old foliage festooned pub, the Cross Keys.
But what Endell Street is infamous for is the Hospital Club. Set up by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Dave Stewart, it’s a club whose ethos is to promote all aspects of being creative. Knobbers Lovely.
I’ve always liked Endell Street. Mostly for the Cross Keys, but also as a wonderfully quick way to get through Covent Garden without being chuggered to death. Oh, there’s a little public drinking fountain too.”
Upper Ground, SE1, The Way We See It.
“There’s not a lot of history to offer you this week for our location, but there’s a lot to see and shoot, and a bit of an alternative look at famous London landmarks.
Upper Ground runs between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridge, behind all the splendor of the South Bank. You might wonder why you’d want to go here; it does give you some interesting angles on the NT and the other brutalist pieces of architecture, not to mention a less sanitised look at London.
One reason for picking this location is how it will soon change. I’ve noticed recently how much work there is going on in London, and when you get to the end of this street, in a couple years time you’ll be in for a big change with the Beetham Tower, otherwise know as 1 Blackfriars.”
Brown Hart Gardens, W1, The Way We See It.
“A nice little central London curio for you all this week. Brown Hart Gardens was once a splendid little Mayfair garden for the working classes in Brown Street and Hart Street.
In 1902, green space didn’t seem such a great use of location and an ornate electricity sub station was build upon the site. Now we’ve all seen some pretty ugly substations in our time, luckily this isn’t one of them. Designed by a certain C. Stanley Peach, it’s a baroque (almost) folly in Portland stone.
There are a pavilion and steps at each end, and the idea was that the space above the substation be used as an Italianate style patio. This was closed by London Electricity in 1980 but has since re-opened.
Ossington Street, W2, The Way We See It.
“Over to North West London this week for a street that I couldn’t resist – even if it was only really for the name. Ossington Street is a little cut through from Moscow Road to the Bayswater Road, in effect connecting Westbourne Grove with Notting Hill Gate.
The street itself is such a curious place. Twenty years ago you couldn’t get anyone to live here; now you couldn’t even think of affording it. It has some of the most eclectic housing you can imagine.
On first look you might be unimpressed, but keep at it and you’ll be amazed at what you see. And if you’re not, have yourself a pint in the Champion and see if that changes things.”
