‘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 Tony Cortegaca, described in the exhibition guide as “Head Doorman, The Savoy, Strand”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Tony Cortegaca: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I suggest going to Camden Town to see the real and raw spirit of London. There is an electric and contagious buzz from the mix of crowds, markets stalls and entertainers.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “In my opinion there is no better view than the seventh floor of The Savoy. You can see all the way from Vauxhall to Canary Wharf including all of London’s iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye. Taking a photo of the view would be the perfect postcard image, especially in the evenings when the city comes to life and everything is lit up.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “What would I save from another Great Fire. I have to say The Savoy! It’s an iconic London landmark due to its rich history and heritage. When guests enter the Front Hall their initial response is often “wow!”; that feeling you can’t put into words.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London everything. When I came here I didn’t have much and I was given opportunity by London. It’s a lovely city. ”
This is part of the Job: 2K/27193 'I Am London' Exhibition - Tony Cortegaca, Head Doorman; 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
Hotel, People At Work, People Posed