‘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 Dr Nirav Amin, described in the exhibition guide as “Volunteer, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Dr Nirav Amin: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I’d take someone on a walk through Westminster to show them the real London. You can walk through history, witness democracy, respect the monarchy, capture beauty, yet still feel this amazing buzz of energy and diversity.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d send a postcard of The London Wall. It’s phenomenal to see this Roman wall right next to the heart of the city. It sounds fantastical but it’s a reality that’s so easy to miss. ” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save the Neasden Temple if there was another Great Fire. It represents this great spirit of London— a thing of spectacular beauty created by a community of modest but devoted individuals dedicated to a higher cause.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London my identity. It’s shaped my upbringing, my education, my career, my family. I feel extremely fortunate to have been brought up in London, seeing the city through a Londoner’s eyes, appreciating my parents’ and grandparents’ culture.”
This is part of the Job: 2K/27197 'I Am London' Exhibition - Dr Nirav Amin, Volunteer At Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir; 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
Hindu Temple, People Posed