Robert Winston, Primrose Hill. Lord Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London. © Historic England/Chris Redgrave

‘I am London’ exhibition showcases city’s heritage

Robert Winston, Primrose Hill. Lord Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London. © Historic England/Chris Redgrave

Historic England is featuring a new photography exhibition running from 11 July to 4 September. The exhibition ‘I am London’ currently has 59 photographs with 59 different Londoners. Each photograph is featuring London’s historic buildings and places that have become a part of the city’s DNA. People that are working and living in London are featured as the faces to show the identity of the city. Historic London created the project to help celebrate the city’s unique and complex identity. By showing all the city’s historic places, there is a hope to continue this identity for many years to come. ‘I am London’ showcases a snapshot of London through the people and places that are represented in each frame. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said “this wonderful exhibition encapsulates how much London has changed over the years, but also reminds us why the capital continues to be the most open, pioneering and diverse city on the planet.”

Marianne Cwynarski, Parliament. Marianne works in the House of Commons and chairs the Workplace Equality Network ParliREACH © Historic England/Chris RedgraveScottee, Roundhouse. Scottee is a performance artist and writer from Kentish Town. He is currently an associate artist at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm. © Historic England/Chris Redgrave

Each of the 59 photographs has a different Londoner and story to tell. From the longest running businesses in Smithfield, Billingsgate, Borough and Columbia road market to a student at the Royal School of Needlework, people that view the exhibition get a taste of it all. The stories and backgrounds are chosen by each individual Londoner for how they want to show the city’s heritage. Historic England is looking for the 60th Londoner to be featured in the ‘I am London’ exhibition. Anyone can apply online and see if they too can tell their story of what makes the city’s heritage so unique and different from any other city.

Kate Barlow, In front of the'Wall of Wool', Royal School of Needlework. Kate is a current Future Tutors student at the Royal School of Needlework. Founded in 1872 and based in Hampton Court Palace, the Royal School of Needlework is the international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery. © Historic England/Chris RedgraveBisi Alimi, Tower Bridge. Bisi Alimi is a human rights campaigner. In 2004 became the first Nigerian to openly declare his sexuality on national television. After increased threats to his life he moved to the UK, where he was granted asylum in 2008. © Historic England/Chris Redgrave

The exhibition is free to view and is running at Central Saint Martins, UAL Window Galleries, Kings Cross.

To learn more about the exhibition and apply to be the 60th Londoner, go to https://historicengland.org.uk/get-involved/visit/exhibitions/i-am-london/

Photo credit: Historic England