‘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 Kate Barlow, described in the exhibition guide as “Student, Future Tutors Programme, Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Kate Barlow: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “To show someone the real London I’d get on a boat at Westminster and travel down the river to Hampton Court Palace. Just as Henry VIII would have travelled.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “Tim Peake’s aerial shots of the world are inspirational. An aerial shot of London showing the river running through it would make a great postcard.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save the Victoria and Albert Museum from another Great Fire. It’s full of the most incredible treasures.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London quite a lot. I took a risk in coming here and I’ve ended up doing a job that I love. It’s given me a whole new direction and a whole new life.”
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
Royal Palace, School, People Posed
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