citylikeyou — Parks — London by Polly Brown

London / Park

London has great green spaces. There are large royal parks and small public gardens, hidden allotments and roof terraces. Each one has its own identity and characteristics and everyone has their favourite. In summer they become extensions of people homes, you see girls sunbathing from 9 am and the endless picnics mean you can eat 3 meals a day in the park. My favourites - St James Piccadilly Gardens, Hyde Park, Barbican Conservatory.

Address
Parks, London, United Kingdom

Artist Photographer

Current city: London

pollybrown.info

Polly Brown is a London based artist, and photographer. Having graduated from Central St Martins in 2009, after studying Fine Art & Conceptual Theory, Polly has worked throughout the art, fashion and music industry, creating concept lead visual projects. Polly’s work often looks at the small unnoticed aspects of life and the world around us. Unpicking and re focusing on the small elements that make up a greater whole. Projects range from editorial, photo essays to short films. Clients have included ICA, Dazed and Confused, Kris Van Assche and DIESEL to name a few. Polly has an ongoing project called PLANTS which sees her photograph iconic brands office foliage. Originally commissioned by Ronnie’s Woods Whisper Gallery the project includes some of the worlds largest corporations and is ever expanding.

More Places in London 471

London / Museum

A wonderful collection of printed material organised chronologically throughout the space. Examples of old newspapers and other printed material give context and meaning for the visual styles.

London / Street Art

In 1936 Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists attempted to march through East London in what was an attempt at an intimidating show of strength. Like today, this area was home to a large number of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Jews. 300,000 people came out to oppose the march and blocked the route. The battle that followed was actually between the protesters and the police who tried to clear the route so that the march could take place. Seeing that they faced a losing battle and possibly a riot Mosley called off the march. The artist Dave Binnington began this mural in 1976 to commemorate that day, and it was eventually finished in 1982. The mural and the battle of Cable Street are both perfect examples of Britain at its very best.

London / Gallery

I personally love photo arts and this gallery puts on some amazing exhibitions by the best artists, such as Vivane Sassen and Gregory Crewdson. The Gallerys’ six-storey space is located right by Oxford Street, so if you are doing some shopping in London, you might as well stop by this gallery. The upper floors consist of two new galleries, while the ground floor hosts a nice café/restaurant. Together with the print sales, the bookstore occupies the basement of the building. I can spend hours just looking at the books, how it is designed, bound, as well as the prints for sale. You can buy all kinds of film; medium format to polaroid film at the store. After some hours at this gallery you just want to go home and start making some photography!

London / Bar

Natural wine bar and shop in east London with communal table and standing space.

London / Gallery

My walk through the Heath often continues on to the Camden Arts Centre, a really fantastic exhibition space that runs workshops and courses as well as having a great café and bookshop to boot. I collect their exhibition booklets called File Notes - beautifully designed by James Goggin and Sarah De Bondt - some memorable shows include Eva Hesse Studiowork, The Bruce Lacey Experience and Serena Korda’s Aping the Beast. The latter concluded with a procession from the gallery up to the Heath, culminating in a re-enactment of The Battle of the River Plate in a pond. This is my photo of the Beast and the Boob Meteorite.