‘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 Marianne Cwynarski, described in the exhibition guide as “Secretary to the Executive Committee and the Board, The House of Commons, Palace of Westminster”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Marianne Cwynarski: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I have lived in Greenwich for over 20 years — so that part of London is very real to me as its where my kids go to school, where my dad lives and where I do my food shopping! I tend to trot any visitors I have around Greenwich and Blackheath. I love the Painted Hall and the Cutty Sark.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “Obviously I would send a postcard of the Houses of Parliament — I like the view you get from Guys and St Thomas’.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I would save the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben from another Great Fire. The UK would not be the same without it.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London a life full of adventure and opportunity.”
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
Parliament House, People Posed
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