‘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 Gerhard Jenne, described in the exhibition guide as “Founder, Konditor & Cook, Cornwall Road, Waterloo”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by Gerhard Jenne: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “I like to show the contrasts when I show someone the real London; Brick Lane and Shoreditch versus Mayfair and Selfridges. At the weekend the leisurely pursuits; Columbia Road Flower Market, Hampstead Heath, Southbank.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “The view east from Waterloo Bridge would make a perfect postcard of London.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d save the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben from another Great Fire, as it stands for long lasting democracy and strong political stability.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “I owe London everything: I was a trained baker and pastry chef and came to London in 1982. I always had this dream of starting my own bakery. After working here for a few years I noticed that there was a gap in the market for good quality cakes and pastries. I also really enjoyed the entrepreneurial climate of the 80s. This suited my pioneering spirit and in 1993 my dream finally came to fruition. The rest, as they say, is history.”
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
Bakery, People Posed
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