‘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 Anna Rolls, described in the exhibition guide as “Scientific Instruments Conservator, Royal Museums Greenwich, Royal Observatory”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Anna Rolls: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I’d take my guest to Billingsgate to show them the real London. London is a trading capital and the markets represent this.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d choose the east side of the Thames Barrier looking towards London as a postcard. It takes in the Thames Barrier itself which is absolutely beautiful. You also get to see ships docking outside the industries that still exist there. I have a feeling that in 10 to 20 years’ time that view may have entirely changed. All that industry may be gone and have been replaced with houses.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save the Royal Observatory from another Great Fire! It’s where I work, I absolutely love the architecture and think it’s a great landmark when you look up at it on the skyline.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I’m not really sure I owe London anything but it has given me the opportunity to work in an incredible place and for that I am very grateful.”
This is part of the Job: 2K/27172 'I Am London' Exhibition - Anna Rolls, Scientific Instruments Conservator, Royal Museums Greenwich; 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
Observatory, People Posed