Friday, August 12, 2011

South Bank eco project

Another great addition to the S.B, is this new staircase, made incidentally, from shipping containers and palettes. How i ever coped without this new walkway i don't know, so I hope they keep it here. Created as a ''vehicle for exploring and reclaiming our urban environment'', it is a great example of upcycling architecture. The planting scheme is even irrigated from water pumped from the Royal Festival Hall. I love how it has become a communal chill out and picnic area...as well as making my commute a lot easier!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

the southbank skamp

Nestled in the bottom of the Royal Festival Hall, is a great little exhibition celebrating the amazing 1951 Festival of Britain. My favourite bit? This gorgeous video documenting the adventures of a cute little tow rag, who i like to call 'the southbank skamp'. With not a penny to his name, little S.S  makes his way south of the river, for a day of mischief and merriment...
''i need to get me one of those balloons...''
''mmmm, that sandwich looks good. hope he doesn't finish it...''
''now, this is the way to travel''
''gently...gently...got it! Now where can i get my penny?
''i could get used to this!''

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

soldiers story

Well worth a closer look next time you're near the South Bank roof gardens...

amazing, thought provoking photography by Robert Wilson

London in Texture - Southbank Stone

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Riot Clean Up

I wanted to put the South Bank special i had planned to one side for a bit, to highlight some of the heartwarming community spirit London has shown today, in the face of all this mindless violence. Hundreds of people gathered today in Clapham Junction to take back their streets, in a collective community clean up. Armed with brooms and bin bags, the volunteers rallied round local business to help get the community back on its feet. All of this was organised by local girl Heather Taylor, who used twitter to drum up support, to brilliant effect.

Lets hope things can return to some kind of normality soon, that these thugs learn some fucking respect and that all affected find the strength to re-build their livelihoods. Check out Riot Clean Up for details on how you can help...

Monday, August 08, 2011

The Southbank show

There is just so much going on at the South Bank at the moment, that i've decided to bombard you all with a South Bank special this week. i love the area, always have. It's been part of my regular stomping ground for some time now and it's been great to see it come into its own over the last couple of years. So stayed tuned to hear me big up the bank! Right, i'm off looting now...only joking Mum!

Friday, August 05, 2011