‘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 Willie Walters, described in the exhibition guide as “Course and Programme Director, BA Fashion, Central Saint Martins, King’s Cross”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Willie Walters: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I walk from Camden Town to here [King’s Cross] and then to Islington where there’s been even more change, as there are old warehouses by the basins, with severe contemporary architecture alongside the old brickwork. That’s a good place to see the real London.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d send a postcard of the view out of my top floor window from my house in Kentish Town. I like roofscapes.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I spent many a happy hour at the V&A as a student, going through the archives, so I’d save that from another Great Fire. It was always my dream to be left there at night to prowl around and put on all the clothes, deck myself in jewellery and dresses.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London my education. It’s a total centre of inventiveness. I was offered a platform to start my own business, then come back to Central Saint Martins. I met my husband here and have my family here.”
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
Art School, University College, People Posed
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