It’s been a minute since my last entry. I’ve been coping with my ‘foot issues,’ but they seem to be trending in the right direction. I’ve been taking it slow and easy but have managed to capture three recent excursions. Above is an unrelated photo of the inside of the Observatory Cafe, one of my Bloomsbury favorites that had been closed for ‘summer holidays through August.
The Esoterick Collection – Sergio Strizzi, The Perfect Moment
The Esoterick Collection of Modern Italian Art remains a favorite of mine because of its delightful and unexpected exhibitions. This exhibition of photographs by Sergio Strizzi, a still photographer, active in the last half of the 20th century through 2004 in Italy and around the world. The photos in the exhibition show both his artistry and provides us with a reminder of the stars of a golden era in films.
Dog Day Afternoon
And now for something completely different, The Brunswick Centre, Bloomsbury’s mixed-use shopping and housing monument to 1970s brutalist architecture, held a celebration of dogs on the open concourse of the shopping plaza. They hold this “dog day” each year and it is a true celebration of ‘man’s best friend.’ There are prizes awarded, dog-related products for sale and ‘celebrity dogs’ that have appeared on television and in film. This year, Paddy, the terrier who has appeared as the family pet of Inspector Barnaby on “Midsomer’s Murders” was on hand. Below are some pictures of a few of dogs of all shapes and sizes that participated in the event.
Saint Andrew Church, Holborn, London
In the middle of a busy part of London, this church stands on a place that has been used for ritual and worship since the days of Roman London. The current church is the largest of the 52 parish churches built by Sir Christophen Wren in the 17th century. Above either side of the entrance to the church are statues of a boy and girl. These are known as Bluecoat Statues and are found at places that once were “Bluecoat Schools,” established for poor children in the 16th to 18th centuries. Excuse the scaffolding in the picture below.
As I have found, so often in churches and cathedrals built on ancient sites of worship and ritual, this church is a place of peace. I felt a calmness inside it. Wren’s clean lines and simple design seems to enhance this.
Three Quick Pix of a London Tourist Mecca-Covent Garden
I paid a quick visit to Covent Garden the other day. Covent Garden is a far cry from the flower market where Eliza Doolittle worked before, she encountered Henry Higgins. Parts of the market there stay the same, and parts reinvent themselves over time.
Weather and annoying foot willing, I have some fun adventures coming up. Keep checking for new posts.
Mark In London 