20s London in colour

This is rare, early colour film footage of London shot in 1927 by Claude Friese-Greene.This is an utterly breath taking film that almost brought a tear to my eye as I watched scenes of my beloved London set to a haunting soundtrack. Monumental buildings that still stand strong today surrounded by cars, people and fashion that are now long gone.

I found this film at http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/

Meggezones Vintage Sign

I've been walking past this old advert for "Meggezone's Nettle's Tonic" & "cough healer" in Tooting Bec for years. I'm so glad it hasn't been taken down and shows just how long that building has been occupied by a chemist/pharmacy. I love old signage like this and I wonder how old it is. There are lots of hidden gems in the tooting area as it hasn't been "gentrified" yet like lots of other areas in London. It's rough and ready - that's part of its charm and why I love the area so much!

U.G.L.Y you ain't got not alibi...

The Brown & Root Tower (originally known as the Lyon's Tower) is a 17 storey former office block in the heart of Collier's Wood, South West London. This brutal building juts out of the surrounding landscape like a sore thumb. It's an eyesore for locals and was voted the ugliest building in Britain by a BBC poll. Whilst ugly on the outside it apparently provided fantastic views of London for the workers inside. Plans for it's demolition have been back and forth since 2009 and finally Merton Council have announced that it will be refurbished into housing in the next 6 months.

As a lover of all things derelict, I almost feel sorry for this hated building. What once must have been a hive of activity for office workers and locals alike is now an empty and soulless wreck. It's broken windows and pollution stained facade add to its sadness.

Rude Pope

A rare bit of graffiti art in Chelsea. Although not anything old, I thought I'd capture this street art/graffiti here on Oakley Street, Chelsea before it is thoroughly scrubbed off by a yummy mummy (or her maid). The "rude pope" popped up a while ago and the "vote thatcher" writing was added a day or two after she died.

Going Underground

Lots Road Power Station, Lots Road, Chelsea

Exposed inner wall of the Power Station

Lots Road Power Station is no longer used, it previously supplied electricity to the London Underground. It supplied power to the Metropolitan District Railway (now District Line) so that trains could change from steam to electric. It is situated facing the River Thames and when it was built in 1905 it was the the largest Power Station of the time. The station has been rehashed and improved many times but was finally closed down 21st October 2002.

Under the Bridge

The Big Burrito Company, 200 Blackfriars Road, Southwark

Old Blackfriars Station sign under Blackfriars Bridge, Southwark

This is the old entrance to Blackfriars Station which is now used as the Mexican restaurant, The Big Burrito Company. The Northern entrance of Blackfriars Station has now been moved to Queen Victoria Street after being rebuilt in 2012.

We're gonna rock down to Electric Avenue....

Broken window, Electric Avenue, Brixton

Empty property above shop, Electric Avenue/Atlantic Road, Brixton 

Bradys of Brixton, 20 Altantic Road, Brixton