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| A representative of the "New Romantics", 1981. ©Ted Polemus/ PYMCA |
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Samuel Johnson
Its strategic global position and diplomatic ties mean you're always meeting new people with distinctive lifestyles and unique visions about the world. You may still presume but you'll end up challenging your perceptions and thinking outside the box.
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| John Tomson. Recruiting sergeants outside the Mitre & Dove, King Street, 1877. ©Museum of London |
The city is as surprising as its citizens, you may think you know it like the palm of your hand but suddenly you notice something you've never seen before. Not to mention its unique ability to take the pulse of international trends in art and design.
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| Anonymous. The Beatles Apple Boutique on the corner of Paddigton Street and Baker Street, 1967. ©Rex Features |
"I've been walking about London for the last thirty years and I find something fresh in it everyday." Walter Besant
Galleries and museums are always packed on weekends, they form the backbone of London's rich cultural life and it's inspiring to see children engaging with art at such a young age.
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| John Hinde. A woman saves a board game from bomb wreckage, c. 1940-45. ©SSPL |
Whatever you love. I'm sure you can find it here, from alternative music to different groups, private clubs, courses and activities. You can go for long walks, join entrepreneurial hubs, have a chocolate massage, eat the most exotic food, learn all about theatre and playwriting, have a book signed by your favourite author... Anything is possible!
"The man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world." Lord Byron
Yes, the weather is unpredictable and often disappointing but there is so much around to take your mind away from it. The past lives side by side with the future, rumours of ghosts haunting the Tower of London only add to the city's magic.
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| Charlotte Rampling in her dollybird days, c. 1967. ©Philip Townsend |
And fashion... From the iconic Swinging 60s to the current nurturing of emerging talent and iconic global brands, this blog itself is a testimony of how alive fashion is in this city throughout the year.
To get to know more about this eclectic capital, Taschen has just published a book about London, featuring a wealth of photographs, quotations, lively essays and references from key movies, books and records. Unmissable!
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| Book cover |
London. Portrait of a City.
Reuel Golden
(Taschen, £44.99)
Other related blog posts:
Design for Performance
London Spring
British Design Explosion