‘I am London’ was an exhibition curated in 2016 by Historic England. The description of the exhibition, as published in the accompanying guide, states that: “London’s historic buildings and places are as much a part of the city’s DNA as the people who live and work in it.
I am London is a celebration of the capital’s unique and complex identity; as much about its scientific endeavour, cutting edge art, performance and design, politics and campaigning, as its pubs, Pearly Kings and parks. It’s a snapshot of London in microcosm, told through its people and places.
60 Londoners, each with a different story to tell, have been photographed at a historic building or place that’s special to them. Each person’s unique London story is bound up in the place they have chosen, showing the city’s heritage is inspirational, provocative, frustrating, fun, familiar, humbling and home.
We want Londoners to be alive to their heritage, to ensure that, as London grows and changes, it keeps its essential character. From Soho to Brixton, from city to suburbs, London’s great old places keep on embracing generation after generation of Londoners — in turn, they light up our city with new ideas and fresh thinking. If we lose London’s fabric and character, we will lose something very precious.”
This image shows Craig Cassidy, described in the exhibition guide as “Paramedic, London Ambulance Service, Aldgate Underground Station”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Craig Cassidy: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “Brick Lane Market is the real London. It shows how ethnically diverse and cosmopolitan this country is and how alive it is. The Southbank is great for a good view of the Thames, the history and juxtaposition between old and new.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “Looking past Tower Bridge towards the Tower of London would make a good postcard because you have the historic against a background of new developments, which shows how London is always changing.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “What I’d save from another Great Fire? An easy answer: St Paul’s Cathedral. Not because I’m religious, I’m an atheist, but for its historical significance. It contains the tombs of people who founded this country. It is such a symbol of London’s resilience, in withstanding WWII bombs.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London opportunity, excitement and resilience. The city has withstood so much which is reflected in the people who live here. We don’t give in, we stand up to bullies.”
This is part of the Job: 2K/27162 'I Am London' Exhibition - Craig Cassidy, Paramedic With The London Ambulance Service; within the Volume: VF000591 'I Am London' Exhibition; within the Series: HEC01/139 'I Am London' Exhibition; within the Collection: HEC01 Historic England
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Redgrave, Christopher: Historic England
Underground Railway Station, People Posed