‘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 Dorothy Bohm, described in the exhibition guide as “Photographer, Hampstead.”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Dorothy Bohm: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “The amazing thing about London, is that it has so many areas which are all very, very different. One day I might decide to be in Whitechapel with my camera. Whitechapel is very interesting. Over the years London has changed incredibly. In the 50s and 60s it was amazing. It is not a city you could possibly get bored of.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “A postcard of London? Possibly Hampstead, not because it’s exciting but because it is a place where people have lived, including lots and lots of artists. It’s very interesting.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “Oh my. What would I save in another Great Fire? I really can’t answer that question.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London a lot of homage and thanks for giving me a home. Incidentally my two daughters were born in Hampstead — the highest point in London. They went to school and one of them to university here. I owe London the greatest of love and appreciation. I am thankful for it having been my town.”
This is part of 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
Detached House, People Posed
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