This weekend is Open House weekend and consequently I have been running about all over the city taking photographs of some of the capital’s most interesting buildings. Despite the fact it was Sunday, I was up sharpish this morning for a behind the scenes tour of Richmond Lock. I live nearby in Kew so managed to be the first in the queue.
The lock is being repainted next year so I will probably photograph that process and ensure I get some more shots of her before she gets a makeover.
The Open House guide described her as a piece of ‘functional design’ but as she was built during Victoria’s reign she is also rather ornate.
This is a view looking down into the weir from the walkway. A blend of shapes, textures and sounds.
This is the side of the hut that once contained the toll booth. Once over pedestrians had to pay to cross over the river. It is now redundant as it is now free like all the other crossings in London.
Some of the smaller details are captured in this collage. I particularly like the dark brick work around the Richmond Lock sign.
Daily Telegraph Ghost Sign, Fulham.
Today I managed to get out on the bus for an hour with a book and my camera. I’ve never been to Fulham but had a suspicion, due to the age of the buildings, that it was likely to be rich with ghost signs. I was right, it was pretty much like hitting the ghost sign jackpot. My favourite is the advert for quality prints because the writing is so clear, which is very rare with this kind of signage. That said, I am super-intrigued about what was served at the Kit Kat dining rooms. Given that you can’t get over my parents’ threshold without our Mam pushing a Kit Kat into your clammy mitts (Mrs Doyle style) I always kind of thought that if Kit Kats were to be served on a silver platter anywhere, it would be back home. Anyway. Food for thought.
Daily Telegraph Ghost Sign, Fulham.
Brymay matches Ghost Sign, Fulham.
Close up on Brymay matches Ghost Sign, Fulham.
S.G. Purkiss Ghost Sign, Fullham.
Close up of S.G. Purkiss Ghost Sign, Fulham.
Kit Kat Dining Rooms Ghost Sign, Fulham.
Whiteleys dome, London.
Whilst wandering around west London the other day I happened across Whiteleys shopping mall. It dates back to the Victorian era but I’d never been inside. Whilst I was there I took a few shots. This is definitely the most beautiful area of the building. A lot of the original features have been maintained meaning that it puts most other modern-day shopping centres to shame in terms of lines and style.
Whiteley’s tiered levels and dome.
Through the staircase, Whiteleys.
Spiral staircase, Whiteleys.
- Staircases and tiers, Whiteleys.
Skylight close up, Whiteleys.
Queens Cinema, Westbourne Park London.
Today I walked a part of London I rarely do – Westbourne Park – and stumbled across this old Art Deco cinema. I had brought my camera for just such an occasion. Five years ago it was a TGI Friday and before that an ABC Cinema (the cinema closed in 1988 and the last film it showed was Coming to America). The ABC cinema put an enormous blue grill on the front and although this was a less than attractive look it means this beautiful facade is better preserved.
More information on this building can be found at Cinema Treasures.
Queens cinema lettering.
- Pleated Art Deco Column.
Stained glass windows.
- Art Deco lettering close up.