I walk a lot; the best way to experience a city. So it’s sometimes to do with the way places join up. This cast concrete letterform is a part of the Lycée’s gateway. Each of the form’s facets arrives at a different character, so six possible letters come from each cast object. I’ve never been inside the Lycée but always walked through this way up to the V&A, in order to examine again and again how each form works. The surfaces set the tone for the V&A and its incredible Ceramics floor, a perennial inspiration.
Website
vam.ac.uk
Address
ycée Français Charles De Gaulle / V&A Ceramics Display, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom
Current city: London
Peter Nencini came to London in 1992, to study at the Royal College of Art. Aside from a three-year interlude working in Brussels, he stayed put. A designer and educator, he has worked across print and television for clients such as the New York Times and the BBC. More recently, he has gravitated towards editioned and exhibited work in ceramic, fabric, wood and metal — with a bonding interest in the space between typographic and figurative form. An interview about his work, with Ryan G. Nelson for the Walker Art Center, can be read here. His editioned box and wall works are currently showing at Partners & Spade, New York.
 

More Places in London 471

An obvious choice but no 'best of London' list is complete without the Barbican
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Being down on the underground can be quite stressful and draining, but if you have the chance to look up and into the details that has gone into the tiling of the platforms and stations you might start to see some beauty down there. A lot of stations has bespoke tiles and decorations, almost a century old. Bethnal Green station is one of a handful in London to have been given a very specific additional decoration to the classic cream tiles and name strip. Easy to miss, but dotted around the station are a series of tiles with raised motifs on them, representing aspects of London and places that the Underground visited. Or for typographers: check the type on Hampstead station or Holloway Road for some inspiration.
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It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.
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A Hint of Mint, Taylors Sky, Class Freedom, Horseshoe Ping – amazing names, muscle, speed, beers, the cheap thrill of Greyhound racing at the dog tracks is a London must. It was best experienced at Walthamstow Stadium, an iconic 1930's stadium with a fantastic neon sign that sadly closed for racing in 2008. However fights to save it from demolition and reopen it for racing have been ongoing since then. So please support the campaign 'Save our Stow' and in the meantime head to the dog tracks in Romford, Wimbledon or Crayford.
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Relaxed with character. Tiny garden at the back overlooked by Waterloo train station. Not sure if mother cat still lives there. Nice to go with friends or alone. Books. Good for a coffee and cake or a bottle of beer. Spiral staircase down to basement. One loo serves the place - tip - lock the door, don't just rely on the curtain and save an awkward encounter.  Photo credit: http://www.appletoothpaste.co.uk/2017/05/coffee-scooter-caffe-london.html
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