‘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 Zainab Rahim, described in the exhibition guide as “Writer and Editor, The Platform, Minet Library, Lambeth”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Zainab Rahim: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I’d take people for Iraqi breakfasts and Lebanese pastries in West London, a stroll in the Japanese gardens of Holland Park, shopping for scarves in Whitechapel, an evening of poetry at a buzzing venue in Camden or Shepherd’s Bush, and maybe, a political discussion around Russell Square at a London university.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d send a postcard of demonstrations outside Downing Street — people coming together in harmony to protest against cuts to public services, tax havens and the treatment of refugees on European shores.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save the British Library from another Great Fire, where I studied incredible historical archives. Not forgetting local libraries, like this one, now facing potential closures. We don’t need another fire to threaten these community hubs. The time to save them is now.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London for being able to live safely and peacefully. The gatherings, friendships, events, religious education, arts scene, and causes that have helped me understand our common humanity and the need for Londoners to stand together.”
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
Public Library, People Posed
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