‘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 Lucy Hawley, described in the exhibition guide as “Zookeeper, ZSL London Zoo, The Regent’s Park”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Lucy Hawley: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I like to show people places away from the hustling and bustling city. The real hidden gems that are just so beautiful and well kept by local authorities.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d send a postcard of ZSL London Zoo obviously! It’s just amazing, it’s full of listed buildings and dotted with beautiful areas. I think it’s a perfect place.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “Apart from ZSL London Zoo I love St Paul’s Cathedral, so I’d save that from another Great Fire. It stirs something inside of you, it’s architecturally beautiful and there are gorgeous views of London from the top.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London my happiness and my sanity, strangely enough. Some people say being in London can drive you insane but I love every minute of it. I’d never felt truly at home until I lived in London. I feel at home here and want to continue living here for as long as possible.”
This is part of the Job: 2K/27174 'I Am London' Exhibition - Lucy Hawley, Zookeeper At Zsl London Zoo; 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
Mid 20th Century Penguin Pool, Zoo, People Posed, People At Work