‘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 Mitchell Adams, described in the exhibition guide as “Team Captain, Hillingdon Swimming Club, Sports and Leisure Complex (Uxbridge Lido)”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Mitchell Adams: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I would show people the River Thames near the Tower of London which is also near Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast to see the real London. I enjoy going there myself so I’d take other people there too.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d send the view of Buckingham Palace through St James’ Park as a postcard to show an iconic landmark and the highly kept standards of the park and all the parks around London.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square from another Great Fire because it represents a success in the history of London, when the Admiral won the battle.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe the city a sense of identity, a sense of being a Londoner and a history associated with London.”
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
Lido, People Posed
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