Love London

The Fitzroy Tavern, Fitzrovia, London

There’s real pleasure to be found in special places. Last night we repaired, as is our habit, to the Fitzroy Tavern after the Charles Peake Ulysses Seminar at Senate House, University of London. It was a favourite of Welsh artist Augustus John.

Augustus John

It was also much loved by all kinds of artists and writers including Walter Sickert, Jacob Epstein, Dylan Thomas, George Orwell (plus the great Kenneth Williams and Tommy Cooper). The pub, formerly a coffee house, was rebuilt in 1897 and retains its Victorian style thanks to a modern refresh.

The Fitzroy gave its name to this area of London, Fitzrovia. It is not a difficult place to love and London is dotted with all kinds of resonant places like this which add to the experience of the city and to quality of life. Why not really FEEL a special place you are in today?

Trust in Nature

Came across this quotation on location in Morden Hall, South London this sunny afternoon. Olivia Hill was the Victorian social reformer who co-founded the National Trust (whose first building was  acquired in 1896 in Alfriston, Sussex). It acquired Morden Hall (built in 1765) in 1941. Hill was a friend of Henrietta Barnett, the fellow social reformer behind Hampstead Garden Suburb, the model for planned green suburban developments. 

Tranquility, fresh air, accessible and unhindered views of Nature remain key to mental health and contentment. In these screen-based, digital  times immersing yourself in 3Dness and natural variation with living complexity is more vital than ever.

Morden Hall Park