‘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 Bash Redford, described in the exhibition guide as “Founder, Forza Win and other London food businesses, Bussey Building, Peckham”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Bash Redford: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “Deptford is the real London. It’s one of the most multicultural high streets in the UK and I just love it.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “Driving into London down Highgate Hill, I’d choose that view as my postcard from London. I have a vivid memory of the first time I moved here. I had all my belongings in a tiny car and I came down this hill and it reminds me of that.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “The Tower of London is an obvious choice to save from another Great Fire, but I find great solace there. It’s a very calm place to be in the middle of a completely bonkers city. My dad is from London and he would take us here as kids to show us the city.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London everything and nothing. London is incredibly fickly, if you lose your grip it can spit you out incredibly quickly. It’s a beast to tame and I’m probably ten years older because I seized every opportunity that came my way.”
This is part of the Job: 2K/27185 'I Am London' Exhibition - Bash Redford, Founder Of Forza Win And Other London Food Businesses; 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
Restaurant, People Posed, People At Work, People, Food And Drink