‘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 Sir John Sorrell CBE, described in the exhibition guide as “Chairman, University of the Arts London, Somerset House”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Sir John Sorrell CBE: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I think it’s good to take people to a game of football, especially if it’s Arsenal. The London street markets are all absolutely fantastic. Visit places out of normal hours, very early or very late, to see the real London.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I think the best view of London is from the middle of Waterloo Bridge because it’s a 360° view, so that would be my postcard. The Thames is very important, there’s no doubt about it.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I would save St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral from another Great Fire. You’ve got to save the great churches, but you’ve also got to save the great museums. They contain the stories and the history.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “London has given me an enormous amount of inspiration and knowledge. London is the most creative city on earth. To be part of London’s creative community — the most extraordinary in the world — has been a great privilege, so I owe London that.”
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
Government Office, People Posed
Our website works best with the latest version of the browsers below, unfortunately your browser is not supported. Using an old browser means that some parts of our website might not work correctly.
