citylikeyou — Southbank — London by Daniel Ginns

London / Area

Southbank has organically evolved into a place of cultural significance through the persistent creative use of skateboarders spanning over generations. Southbank is currently under threat of being destroyed and replaced by coffee shops and retail outlets. There has been an alternative skate spot preposed to be built under Hungerford Bridge, this at first glance seems like an appropriate solution. Unfortunately this undermines the grassroots movement that has been developed over the years. Skateboarders have utilised the unsuspecting angles of brutalist architecture in a way they were originally not intended, in doing so they have created a space that is special and unreplicable. You can help save this historic place by signing the petition.

Address
Southbank, The Undercroft, Southbank Centre, SE1, London, United Kingdom

Photographer

Current city: London

danielginns.com

Daniel originally from Portsmouth moved to London just over 3 years ago. He works in a variety of mediums. His recent work consist of setting up structures for drawing that encourage chance to determine the form, this excludes him from making any aesthetic decision. By using this conceptual logic he creates a system in which a process is started, continued for an undetermined amount of time, then finally stopped by the rule that birthed it. This thinking is also expressed in his photography which depict the unintentionally created forms of various other processes.

More Places in London 471

London / Pub

There are very few better places to be on a summer's day than the massive beer garden at People’s Park Tavern on Victoria Park

London / Cafe

Great little neighbourhood hangout. Delicious food, good coffee and open evenings Thursday-Saturday. Next to the Sylvanian Family shop!

London / Shop

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.

London / Shop

East London shop where you can find nice pieces from independent artists, nice presents or home decoration.

London / Street Art

When I first took up photography I knew it was something I wanted to do but was unsure of what I wanted to take photos off. I started out by mainly photographing London's graffiti and street art. Graffiti isn’t tolerated in London as much as in other cities (such as Berlin or Lisbon) but it has a long history in the capital and if you know where to look there's a lot of it around. Some of the best street artists and graffiti writers in the world either live in or travel to London to use it as a canvas. It's not something I photograph so much anymore but I still admire those who do it. The risks involved and their dedication are truly remarkable. I always wish I had the balls and the talent to try it myself.