citylikeyou — Chelsea Physic Garden — London by Louisa Bailey

London / Museum

A walled secret garden, the Physic Garden is like a time capsule, founded in 1673 to allow apprentices of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London to study the healing properties of plants, it is now a living museum. Tours are offered by volunteers with immense knowledge of botany and the cultural history of the garden or visitors can wander the grounds alone and spot odd and fascinating plants such as the mystical Mandrake.

Website
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Address
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London, United Kingdom

Creative Director

Current city: London

luminousbooks.co.uk

Louisa is the founder of Luminous Books in East London, an artist curated bookshop specializing in second hand fiction, philosophy, art and curiosities. Luminous also stocks a range of artists’ books, limited run zines and hosts regular literary events, combining music, films and readings alongside pop up projects throughout the city and two Luminous collections at the ICA Bookshop SW1 and Andor Bureau E8. Louisa studied Fine Art Sculpture at Brighton University before moving to London working in both new and antiquarian bookshops including Foyles and as Book Buyer for the ICA Bookshop. Luminous is a specialized bookshop full of personal preoccupations, a love of the object of the book, printed matter and of visual thinking.

More Places in London 471

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.

London / Music Venue

One of the best places in the world to see left field, experimental and creative new music which sits outside the realm of the mainstream. It should be cherished. I wish i went more often...Some highlights of mine include Midori Takada and Acid Mothers Temple.

London / Architecture

It's such an iconic building and it's always a joy to be anywhere near it. It just dominates the landscape around it. Ever since I first saw the cover of Pink Floyd's Animals I've loved it and I still do. There are always reports in the news for plans for developers to spend billions on refurbishing it. I'd genuinely prefer it to remain as it is rather than see it being turned it into a massive shopping centre full of chain stores. The thought of it being turned into some kind of Westfield full of people on Facebook on their laptops in a Starbucks fills me with rage.

London / Restaurant

Wonderful place for an indulgent afternoon tea. My favourite room is the millennial pink bathed Gallery room where the walls are covered in a sea of original David Shrigley art. The bathrooms feature beautifully designed individual egg-like pods and there's even a waiter whose sole focus is to serve you caviar.

London / Restaurant

Mini mini mini..delicious steamed milk buns.