art in the public realm, walk/tour
W.T. Stead Memorial, Nr. Temple Tube Station, WC2R 2PN
Have you ever wondered as you wandered what exactly led to a bench looking like that, why London's telephone boxes are red, what those green huts are, and why there are no public toilets anymore...? If the answer is 'YES!' then join us as we saunter around Temple and the Strand with these questions in mind, stopping to peek at parts of the city fabric that we often overlook – and learning about the designers and 'deciders' behind the scenes.
Temple
Charing Cross, Waterloo
We will end by the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.
There are some steps on the route and the whole tour is outside, so please come prepared for the London weather!
The word 'strond' from which The Strand derives, meant beach or river's edge in Old English, highlighting how much this part of London has changed over time - now far from the river. This tour weaves together the conception of the public realm from the 19th century to the present day and invites the group to engage with elements of the fabric of London that help the city and its inhabitants live and breathe.
We will pause to evaluate historical and recent attempts to make the city a usable and enjoyable space, and consider the degree of success these efforts have had through objects we find on our way - from the iconic telephone boxes to some more unexpected objects of interest.
The route itself is relatively short - a testament to how much there is to stop at when you begin to look.
Walking tour
Join a captivating journey through the City of London with our exclusive Muslim Heritage Tour. Discover the deep connections of Salahuddin Ayubi and marvel at the UK's oldest Muslim statues, dating back 1000 years. Uncover the legacy of England’s most famous Middle Eastern immigrant and delve into fascinating tales of crime and health in history.
Talk / Workshop
education, industrial, community/cultural, gallery, retail, public realm/landscape
Unit 1.20 is one of 25 workshop and retail units in Oxo Tower Wharf and overlooks the courtyard towards the Bargehouse building from the first floor walkway. It is a multi-purpose space used as a workshop, showroom and teaching space.
Albert W Moore, 1930
