‘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.”
These images show Kim Abraham, described in the exhibition guide as “Year 6 Teacher, Netley Primary School, Camden”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Kim Abraham: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “The Workers Café on Holloway Road is the best place to show people the real London. Nearly all of the old greasy spoons have shut down but this one is still standing, and what a gem it is!” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “My great grandfather, grandfather and all of his brothers worked on the railways at St Pancras so I’d send a postcard of there. My grandfather (my hero) left his job to serve in the army during WWI. He returned to the railway after the war and left again to volunteer for the RAF, with whom he served throughout WWII. He went back to the railway afterwards and stayed there until he retired.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save my flat from another Great Fire. It is a kitsch palace and my little bubble.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London my accent. It is commonly misjudged and that makes me smile.”
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
Primary School, People Posed
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