citylikeyou — Hampstead Heath — London by Mathushaa Sagthidas

London / Park

A go to spot for me that is close to home! Place image not by me

Address
Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Tube Station, London, United Kingdom

Current city: London

mathushaasagthidasphotography.co.uk

Mathushaa Sagthidas is a London based freelance photographer, stylist, set designer and art director (studied at Camberwell College of Arts, UAL) with interest in fine art and contemporary fashion. Mathushaa’s work often examines her identity - Tamil Eelam ethnicity and British nationality, which is reflected through traditions, history and fashion photography. Identity, authenticity and representation are important to her because of her parents’ upbringing and experiences during the Sri Lankan civil war, which took place from 1983 until now. The history of the war, their own personal suffering and experience led Mathushaa to learn and embrace her ethnic culture, traditions and heritage more and more. Her photography work spans a range of brands including Amazon, Wolf & Badger, Fashion United, Deezer and Bloomsbury; publications such as Creative Lives, Glass Magazine, The Photographer’s Gallery, gal-dem, Hypebae, Fashion Minority Report, THIIIRD Magazine, Campaign Live, Dishoom, It’s Nice That, The British Library and Graduate Fashion Week and exhibitions such as Tate Britain, PhotoFusion, BBH London, Lake Gallery, Camberwell Space Gallery, Rankin x Maryland Studio, including billboards across the UK and a solo show with Bow Arts.

More Places in London 471

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 / 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 / Cinema

This is a little general but there’s so many great cinemas in London, I can’t choose just one. I probably go to Screen on the Green most often as it’s nearby and shows great films, has really comfortable armchairs and serve drinks to your seat as well as hosting director Q&As and late night screenings. Other favourites include: Curzon Mayfair, Renoir, NFT, Barbican and Prince Charles cinema where I’ve been to a great Movie Maths triple bill; RoboCop + The Raid = Dredd. I can’t get rid of anything so compile all my tickets in a file chronologically, which also serves as a map of where I was living at any one time; depending on which cinemas I frequented the most.

London / Cafe

Raisin bread and sausage rolls; plus madeleines, palmiers, financiers, croissants, and cinnamon buns for breakfast with a Parisian jazz soundtrack

London / Shop

By far the best bagels in London, they are open 24 hours and being just down the road from my flat a bit too local. It is run by a man called Mr Sammy, who doesn't muck about with portion size. It is well worth a visit especially for their smoked salmon and cream cheese speciality.