This is over the road from my house and kind of feels like being transported back in time to the goth night I used to go to when I was 15. But much much bigger with much more entertaining outfits, cages, lasers and… BBQ.
I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.
I spent a lot of time in the British Museum whilst studying for my Degree. My work has changed considerably since then but it is still a place I return to again and again. Inspiration doesn't always come from objects in the collection but also from the space and its visitors.