EC1 ECHO OCT/NOV 2020 N 6 FREE

NEWS ART HISTORY EC1Echo.co.uk Connecting people New photographs The incredible @EC1Echo through the shed light and shade story of the “father medium of coffee on Clerkenwell’s estates of India” in EC1 EC1Echo@ /EC1Echo P 5 P 10–11 P 14–15 peelinstitute.org.uk

Damaris Louezi Helawit Hailemariam Nermin Shefik

Hobie Walker Pia Richards Scarlett Gregory

Meet your Clerkenwell Community Organisers Sara Bloch of The Peel explains the roles of the new community organisers while inside, each one explains what they hope to achieve Over the next few months you’re social isolation and stronger bonds vision for a thriving community, we the act of listening we’ve met many likely to see our new team of Com- between its people and places. can use their collective power to locals who wanted to launch their munity Organisers out and about Community organising is the work shake things up for the good of the own projects to get people talking talking with locals. They’re out of bringing people together to take whole neighbourhood. and bring the community together. there because they want to hear your action around their common con- Over the last couple of years we’ve We have helped them to organise views on how to make Clerkenwell cerns. We believe that if we listen to already started building relation- a range of activities including an a more connected area, with less the issues that people face and their ships with local people. Through Continued on Page-5 EC1 ECHO NO.6 Advertisement N 6 NEWS 2 Credit Tim Ronalds Architects THE SEKFORDE OCT / Carefree, not The Sekforde, 34 Sekforde Street EC1R 0HA NOV careless 0207 250 0010 2020 Since lockdown EC1 has remained thesekforde.com 1st Oct 30th Nov a hub for social change. Bella Saltiel [email protected] talks to Clerkenwell charity Carefree Instagram: @the_sekforde about the nature of care after Covid-19 Full Full Moon Moon 100% / 0.49 100% / 0.5 are is the work that makes all other forms of work possible,” says Charlotte EC1 Echo is the Newman, director of Care- area's free community “free. ThisC quote, taken from American labour newspaper. We publish activist Ai-jen Poo, encapsulates the way that bi-monthly and carers, despite being the backbone to any func- distribute 7,500 free tioning economy, are often sidelined. Carefree, “This place is copies of each issue – a fledgling charity that turns vacant hotel rooms and we will continue to into short breaks for full-time, unpaid carers, something of do so during the ongoing aims to redress the balance. Entrenched in the caregiving economy, Char- a gem in an public health crisis. lotte has been privy to the limits of the gov- ernment’s response to unpaid carers. Covid-19 unassuming Publisher really ‘shone a light’ on “the cultural narrative David Floyd around care”, she says. part of town” Editor A while after lockdown started, society began Oliver Bennett to recognise the work of NHS staff and care- Designer workers, clapping for the NHS and carers Jonathan Duncan outside homes across the country. But, as the “It keeps all pandemic continues to rage on, Charlotte adds Head of Operations that the “nine million people who provide the charm Paige Ballmi Above the line care within the home and provide that kind of Engagement Manager backbone to our health and social care system” he House of Illustration – said The buildings are themselves of huge still go largely unrecognised. of being the Penny Dampier to be the world’s only museum historic importance. The New River That could be because the labour of domes- Contributors dedicated to illustration – is set Head remains much as it has been for tic care is unseen and largely behind closed neighbourhood's Anastasia Georgousis to move from King’s Cross to almost four centuries and began life as doors. But it’s also that there is a need to talk Antzela Osmenai Tone of Clerkenwell’s most interesting a vital hub bringing clean water into about the role of unpaid carers in ways that best pub” Suzanne Sullivan and historic sites: the New River Head. London from Hertfordshire. Within is people understand. Sara Bloch This group of four historic buildings, London’s only surviving windmill and Naming is part of that and “key workers” are Quoted from Evening Chris Walker which previously had no public access, an engine house, dating from 1768. The teachers, social workers, doctors and nurses, Standard's 50 Best Pubs Jonathon Green was earmarked by the HoI’s founder, Centre is designed by architect Tim all labels connected to paid jobs, whereas unpaid in London Bella Saltiel illustrator Sir Quentin Blake. The site Ronalds, who also oversaw the refur- domestic labour is considered part of the chaos David Chapman is set to have four times the amount of bishment of Ironmonger Row Baths. of everyday life. Despite its normalcy – three in Emile Holba public space as the HoI’s current home Said Ronalds: “The ingredients are five of us will become an unpaid carer at some Jeremy Warren in Granary Square, King’s Cross, where there to make a new cultural space of point in our lives – Charlotte says there remains Professor Inderjeet Parmar it has been since 2014 and it will be called great significance.” “a collective responsibility to recognise that com- Brogan McPherson the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. The Centre aims to encourage illus- munity and the public service that they do.” Yvonne Goff Courtney At its New River Head HQ , the Centre will tration, so its presence will have educa- This is a time when the carers that Charlotte Mark Aston have four exhibition galleries, an education tional benefits for local schools and the speaks to are completely “burned out” and centre, offices, £8 million she suggests that a solution could be to “join CONTACT café, shop and plan begins together those individual stories to build a half an acre next year with sense of what their collective role is.” Email of outdoor an opening Building on the experiences that we have all [email protected] space, making date set of had in lockdown might help with this. Parents Post it the world’s autumn 2022. working from home over lockdown are more 7–11 Coppermill Lane, biggest space Sir Quentin aware of the role teachers play as caregivers. Walthamstow E17 7HA dedicated to said: “I am Living at home with family, elderly relatives illustration. enormously or vulnerable friends will have exposed nearly ADVERTISING Along with proud to have all of us to the experience of providing care nearby Sadler’s my name asso- while simultaneously juggling the demands Contact Klaudia Kiss: Wells Theatre, ciated with of our own lives. The shaking up of society Call 020 8521 7956 it will create a this interna- in the pandemic has meant there is “the pos- Email considerable tional home sibility and the opportunity to use what has [email protected] cultural cluster for an art happened to really anchor, a reimagining of in the north- which I know how we support care work in the future eco- EC1 Echo is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of The ern part of Clerkenwell and as well as and love, and for artists who speak in a nomic and social levels within our society.” Press. For more information on the EC1 Echo’s complaints policy and exhibitions, will house Sir Quentin Blake’s myriad of visual languages, but are under- Living through a pandemic has stretched all how to make a complaint visit: EC1Echo.co.uk/complaints archive of more than 40,000 works, some stood by all. It is going to be amazing.” our imaginations – perhaps we can use this on permanent display. Visit houseofillustration.org.uk time to envisage a truly caring economy. EC1 ECHO NO.6 October/November 2020 NEWS 4 NEWS 5

Olympic Park. The term ‘Sili- con Roundabout’ was a bit of Tunnel Continued from Page-1 playing in Spa Fields, 3 Corners and my a joke but people liked the fact primary school, Hugh Myddelton. All of Whole latte love that the area was a bit gritty.” online baking club, a street party, a gardening them remain important to shaping the per- Close to the City of London, vision group, this local paper – the EC1 Echo – and son I am today. I don’t think that there are it was convenient for entre- many more. enough community events in the area and as preneurs seeking funding and ith the news Our Community Organisers are here to make a Community Organiser I want to help there EC1 resident David Chapman the transport links were good. that all ven- it easier for you to contribute to community to be more activities and events so that aims to connect people through Now, adds Nathan, the idea ues must take life in Clerkenwell and to this end we’re asking people feel more at home and connected has been “somewhat eroded. the names readers: do you want to help community life to each other in the area. the medium of coffee It is a bigger cluster now, but Wof guests in case of further thrive in Clerkenwell? Do you have an idea here’s a new way to that we realised how long we not necessarily a better one. outbreaks of Covid-19, the that could bring people together and reduce Damaris Louezi meet people in Clerken- had been on the call.” Follow- Lots of the firms were SMEs hospitality industry’s return isolation in our neighbourhood? If you would I have lived in Clerkenwell for seven years. T well. Each month, a ing this early success, the pair [small and medium-sized to form has had a setback. like to have a conversation about your idea, or It’s a great place to live – there’s so much selection of locals are ran- decided to keep it up. “I think enterprises] and that ecology But few could say that the would like to collaborate with others to get an here and so many possibilities. I have three domly matched with a fellow it was Gisela who suggested we has been priced out.” Indeed, Piano Works on Farringdon initiative off the ground, please get in touch. kids and there’s a lot here for them to do: I Clerkenwellian and encouraged meet up (at a very safe distance, accounting firm UHY Hacker Road hasn’t made efforts to don’t struggle for activities. But during my to get to know each other. New of course)”, explains Chris. “My Young Group said that that combat Covid-19 – the large time living here I have noticed that there is friends, connections, acquain- wife Hobie came along, as did the number of local startups live music venue on Far- Meet Clerkenwell’s a lack of community engagement. We are all tances and contacts have been Gisela's daughter. We've since had fallen by 80 per cent from ringdon Road has installed Community Organisers busy in what we do and we enjoy the area so made in over 45 pairings since met up quite a few times, and 2014 to 2017. the country’s first disinfec- much that we are busy taking advantage of May – and we want more of you discovered other connections. Nevetherless, during the last tant tunnel. Hobie Walker what it has to offer, but we don’t know each to get involved. Gisela had a chat with some decade, there were attempts As well as having their tem- I came to live in Clerkenwell in 2015 as a trial. other. What I want to do is help people to I started the Clerkenwell of my neighbours and discov- to build up and beautify the perature checked by thermal We wanted to live in London for a couple of come together so that we get to know each Randomised Coffee Trials with ered they knew the same music Silicon Roundabout area, imaging, guests have to walk years and we chose Clerkenwell because it other. With The Peel I have explored starting a help from The Peel, which was teachers. Gisela and a different leading to the Transport for through the tunnel, which was near to where my husband lived at the community garden – I’ve learned a lot through looking for ways to connect res- daughter have now joined our London (TfL) plan currently sprays them with disinfectant. time. We rented a place in St John Street but the journey and now want to help others get idents during lockdown. The Bake & Take initiative, so we refurbishing the roundabout, The Gateway spray tunnel very quickly fell in love with the area so we activities going and explore their ideas. idea came from a workplace see her in our Zoom bakes too.” which began with consultation aims to keep the guests safe, stayed. I love the different personas that there scheme I’d been part of, where I asked the pair what advice in 2015. and to reassure them that the are in the week. It’s very buzzy with lots of Pia Richards it was used to increase connec- they would give to other people “In 2016–17 the London venue is taking care of them. design shops and people wandering around. On I am 21 years old. I grew up in Clerkenwell tions between teams working considering getting involved. Mayor Boris Johnson and The Piano Works operations weekends there’s a wonderful calm and peace and attended secondary and college edu- in different parts of the organ- “Go for it,” said Gisela. “It takes David Cameron proposed director Tristan Moffat hopes and you’ll see all the families and locals. I love cation. Post-education, I have worked for a isation. I wondered if it could a bit of courage to write that first doing-up the roundabout,” says the measures will increase being part of that calmer quieter Clerkenwell youth theatre based in Islington that offers work for a neighbourhood, too. e-mail, but online meetings are Nathan. “The idea grew that it customer confidence. “Anyone as well as the buzzier one. As a Community free theatre and experiences, and have also Together with The Peel’s Com- a very safe first option.” could be tourist-friendly – or at who says having more safety Organiser I’m really inter- worked at the Barbican munity Manager Sara Bloch and “I'd say give it a go” agreed The tide’s out least a bit easier on the eye.” measures is a bad thing, I ested in hearing what ideas Centre. But I have wanted another local volunteer, Brogan Chris. “It's basically a quick Since then, however, Nathan would strongly argue against,” people have to bring the “We believe that to engage more in commu- McPherson, we set up a web- online chat (coffee optional). If says that there is less clustering says Moffat. “I think having community together and nity outreach for all ages. I site, printed some flyers and you get on, great. If you don't of tech companies, which one safety measures in place instils improve the community. if we listen to the think one of the best things spread the word. fancy taking it any further, it will for Tech City can find anywhere from King’s confidence in customers.” I want to help people bring about Clerkenwell is how We’ve made steady prog- only have taken about 15 minutes Cross to Hackney. The Google Like with everything their ideas alive and get to issues that people much of a melting pot it is ress and now have around 40 and you've nothing to lose.” Campus, which once anchored through this pandemic you know different people in face we can use in terms of ethnicity and people signed up, making 20 “You might simply make a Ten years on “Silicon Roundabout” the cluster and was open to the have to stay positive, you the community. culture, all packed into a matches a month. Recently, new acquaintance to say Hello public, restricted access in 2019 have to think outside the collective power for small place. I think we have we asked one of our pairings, to on the street”, Gisela con- has gained a different character and as well as being renamed box, you have to think how Scarlett Gregory a unique opportunity here residents Gisela and Chris, to cluded. “But if you are lucky, Google for Startups, now only you can protect your staff, I have lived in Clerkenwell the good of the whole to share and enhance the reflect on their experience. you might actually make new BY OLIVER BENNETT neurs and start-ups – went into that have grown up to support admits members. customers and your business for almost 10 years now and local area’s culture and “I grabbed the spirit of lock- friends who live around the administration, with its founder it, now that meetings are as There was always a struggle as best as possible.” I love the area. Before I had neighbourhood " sense of community. While down and thought I'd get a bit corner from you.” en years ago, Old and CEO Elizabeth Varley likely to be online platforms to make links with the local pianoworks.bar my daughter I got to enjoy in this role I hope to be more neighbourly,” explained I’m glad to say that this sim- Street roundabout saying: “Unfortunately, with a such as Zoom as in real life, workforce, adds Nathan. Clerkenwell’s pubs scene. Now we are a fam- able to have a positive impact on options for Chris. “There are thousands ple concept has already led became the unlikely significant reduction in reve- Max Nathan, who has charted “Hackney Community Col- ily, we’ve seen what the area has to offer for young people here. of people living within a mile to new friendships. Even in a source of national nue due to the impact of Covid the history of Silicon Round- lege set up a scheme to place children which is amazing. With the library, of each other and I thought community minded place like Toptimism. Feted by then Prime on our member about, says students in tech jobs but it’s the Barbican, the parks and children's groups, Nermin Shefik it would be good to meet Clerkenwell it can be difficult Minister David Cameron, the companies, that it began difficult to tell how effective there's always something to do. I also think Since I was very young, I have always had a wider range of people – to break out of your regular cir- Old Street area became the and without “The idea as a low-cost it was.” there’s a community spirit here, but when you a passion for Clerkenwell. I have lived here anything that improves local cle of acquaintances. Hopefully place to find UK startups. With an agreement place to create So Silicon Roundabout may talk to long-term residents, they say it was a all my life, firstly in the Old Street area and connections is fine by me. I the serendipitous nature of the networking events attracting from our major grew that a “tech cluster”. have served its purpose, and very different neighborhood in the past. It has now near Exmouth Market. I am extremely was aware of the The Peel Coffee Trials helps many more incomers from across the world, landlord to our it could be “It was lower when Tfl completes its work on been gentrified and we need to have activities proud and privileged to have been raised as my wife and I had helped of you to do just that. it was branded as ‘Tech City’: a proposals for a rent back then Old Street roundabout, it will that help bring people from different parts in Clerkenwell, and to live here is truly a with the Exmouth Market If you want to follow in Chris technology hub snaking from way forward, tourist-friendly and also close have a different atmosphere. of the community together. I organised the blessing. What I love most about Clerken- Street Party last year, and had and Gisela’s footsteps an sign Old Street all the way to the we are unable to the City,” But as to its future prosperity, Exmouth Market Street Party last year, and it well is its people, its diversity and history. I started a 'Bake & Take' club up at bit.ly/ClerkenwellCoffee. Olympic Park. But its jokier name to continue.” – or at least a says Nathan, Nathan is optimistic. was a huge success. I now want to help others love the fact that people say hello and good as part of the Peel's connec- You can leave and re-join at any stuck – ‘Silicon Roundabout’. With a loss this bit easier on associate Pro- “There may be a bit of a dif- get community projects off the ground and take morning to you. As a Community Organiser I tivity initiative.” time and we even have a cheat A decade on, Silicon Round- big (as Varley fessor in Applied ference in office uptake and advantage of the support of The Peel. hope to engage with as many people as I can “A few internet gremlins sheet, so you’ll never be stuck about still hosts many tech said, “We were the eye" Urban Science possibly a shift to the suburbs,” and to help them to the best of my ability. joined us at first,” added Gisela. for things to say. companies. But the passage the first initiative at University he says. “But drop-in space is Helawit Hailemariam “We had met via Zoom and of time and now the Covid-19 on the roundabout”) observ- College London. “The plan going to do well and we should I grew up in Clerkenwell and went to had just said ‘hello’ when my To find out about more of the For more information: pandemic have changed the ers are wondering if the area’s then grew to call it Tech City remember that historically, school here so it is a big part of my iden- internet froze entirely. Once we Peel’s community activities: Email [email protected] area. In August TechHub – the tech cluster, not to mention and link from Old Street all the cities have withstood pandem- tity. I know a lot of the young people that Call 07949 154 297 were able to get going, we had Visit peelinstitute.org.uk/ global community for entrepre- the various co-working spaces way to the Queen Elizabeth ics and bounced back.” The Piano Works disinfectant tunnel live here. My earliest memories include Visit peelinstitute.org.uk/connecting-clerkenwell a lovely chat — an hour later activities-community EC1 ECHO NO.5 October/November 2020 October/November 2020 NO.6 EC1 ECHO FEATURES 6 OPINION INTERVIEW 7 Tea and sympathy Offices into Among the openings is ploughshares Be-oom on Exmouth Market The recovery post-pandemic should give hile the coronavirus Over the last 20 years Clerkenwell us an opportunity to rethink un-let office has led to businesses and Exmouth Market have played a space, writes Yvonne Goff Courtney closing, there have big part in London’s coffee culture and also been openings Be-oom is in the site of the late and any of us living in the less well-off. Yet despite inW Clerkenwell. One such business lamented Brill café. But while there’s Clerkenwell and the unprecedented health and is Be-oom on Exmouth Market, a still much opportunity for caffeine the neighbouring economic disruption, there is Korean tea shop opened by proprietor maybe the time has come for tea to City of London strong demand for govern- Sooji Im just as the pandemic broke. shine – particularly in that Be-oom Mare wondering when and how ments and businesses to show “It was unlucky timing,” says Sooji, has a meditative principle that could the area will recover from the resolve and embrace a vision who was to have opened the Thurs- chime in a slower, post-viral world. Covid-19 pandemic. We might to build a better future. day before lockdown was imposed. relish the peaceful weekends, One idea from Misha Stavrides Instead, she opened Be-oom at the but the continued emptiness of SCRArchitects, is to adapt Fr Trundle at The Church end of May, catering to customers “In Korea tea is worrying. What are Islington offices to different uses. Of The Holy Redeemer who were stirring out of lockdown. Council and the City of London “The design of communities While business is still quite slow on culture is older Corporation doing to reboot have been touted for many years We’re at a crossroads here as a last decade, particularly among Exmouth Market, as London’s only our neighbourhoods? yet there’s no greater oppor- Father Christopher community, with the Crossrail young people, which is really speciality Korean tea shop Sooji than in Japan” Many people working in tunity than now to explore an Trundle, 35, is vicar and Mount Pleasant develop- encouraging. Our congregations has a unique proposition and sells London have said the lock- interesting mix of uses in the of both Our Most ments set to bring change to remain mostly local – we’re online as well as in her exquisitely “The word ‘be-oom’ itself means down had a positive impact inner city,” says Misha. “With Holy Redeemer in the area. In the aftermath of the not a destination church – and appointed café-shop. ‘to empty' and like the cup it’s good on their wellbeing, indicating the arrival of Covid-19, 30 Exmouth Market pandemic, it’s important that we we’re not interested in numbers “In Korea tea culture is older than to allow the mind to empty and fill,” that the pandemic has made years of office development and St Marks in avoid becoming individualistic alone. My days here are taken in Japan, but less well known,” she says Sooji. “Tea in Korea was tradi- them more sympathetic to the has resulted in over-supply at and remember our heritage: up with services and prayer, says. “For example, we have Malcha tionally taken as part of a calming part needs of others and that they a time when many people can Myddleton Square. Finsbury Borough Council preparing people for baptisms tea while the Japanese have Matcha.” of meditation. We want to bring that would like to take action to work from home. Here he shares was well-known for its radical and weddings, funeral ministry, The shop also has other teas in calm tradition back and build moments of positively impact their com- “Our proposal is that redun- some thoughts efforts to reduce inequality and and visiting the sick. I’m also packaging, grown in farms in Korea mindfulness into busy lives.” munities, such as making extra dant office floors be re-adapted about the area – and foster community. Chair of Governors at Clerken- that Sooji has personally chosen in effort to buy to provide his role within it One of the great things well Parochial School and a the tea-growing areas of Boseong For more information: products and places for about Clerkenwell is its diver- chaplain in the Army Reserve. Visit be-oom.com Be-oom is London’s only speciality Korean tea café and Hadong. services from “Redundant growing and n the many conversa- sity. We have families who’ve We’re fortunate because our smaller, local making. Food tions I’ve had when been in Clerkenwell for many churches and their history are businesses. office floors grown on out and about since generations alongside more so interesting. Holy Redeemer Prior to the upper floors lockdown, I’ve heard recent comers, and there’s looks like a basilica from north- Death’s door – Clerkenwell’s funeral museum pandemic, could be can be sold on Ithat people have a renewed a great mix of creativity and ern Italy and is very Catholic in the consensus ground level awareness of the fragility of energy here. That diversity feel. People are often surprised t may sound unseemly during host is Ann Page, who is happy to newspaper clippings in glass cases Ripper’s only victim in the City, the people,” she says. “Like they was that it was adapted to markets, while life – and with that comes a is mirrored in our congrega- to learn that we’re Church of a pandemic, but as the saying show guests round when business – including the hilarious informa- Catherine Eddowes, tucked around say, you shouldn’t be afraid of the likely too late to products made lot of questions. Covid-19 has tions. But it also raises ques- England; our tradition is derived goes, death is all around us. is slow and give them a coffee. tion that the inventor of Pringles a corner lest it upset unwary visitors. dead – it’s the living you should repair the dam- provide places in the building brought so much stress and tions about cohesion and the from the Oxford Movement, And there is no better place “The idea was that it would open packaging asked that his ashes be It is a learning experience and be worried about.” age caused by can be sold in pain, much of which is still integration of people from which rediscovered our ancient Ito find out about life’s final frontier on Wednesday which is not a buried in a Pringles container – and Ann is an excellent guide who Those who have been in funerals climate change. for growing outlets along- ongoing. There has also been different backgrounds. Christian heritage, and coupled than a small Clerkenwell attraction funeral day,” says Ann. “But it’s okay ephemera about funerals around the says that there has been a mood thank her and say: “I hope we don’t However, four side neigh- a real spiritual awakening for Schools, parks and places of a rich spiritual and liturgical tra- – the Museum of Funeral History. to come anytime if we’re not busy.” world, the collection draws from change in many funerals. “There’s meet again. Death and how much months on, the and making” bouring cafes. many people – our churches worship are some of the small dition with a concern for social At Thomas B. Treacy Funeral The collection is a fascinating deep history to the present day, a trend for colourful ties,” she money we earn are the two taboos.” environmental “Such indus- had far more engagement number of places crucial to action. Churches of our tradi- Directors on Rosebery Avenue, a miscellany of archive funereal signs, and includes a dummy of Jack the says. “People often now want a But the idea that working at a par- impact of reduced activity during trious cross-fertilisation creates online than we expected. that cohesion – to that end tion are still most often found in suitably respectful shopfront leads spirit of celebration.” lour steels you to the reality of death the lockdown has given hope that a vibrant and self-sufficient I’m vicar of the parishes of our local churches strive to be deprived areas – as Clerkenwell into a funeral parlour. On the left There’s an internet musical library isn’t always accurate. “For example, there is still time to act – with enclave, with greenery and Holy Redeemer and St Mark’s. places of welcome and inclu- was when our churches were is a cheery collection of “scat- called Obitus and in the museum I don’t have a funeral plan,” she says, the majority thinking govern- water elements providing a From Scotland originally, I was sion. Parish churches don’t built in the 19th Century. ter tubes” – some human sized, is a chart with the favourite funeral referring to the act of putting a bit ments and businesses need to stimulating yet relaxing envi- ordained in 2010, and served exist for their congregations Holy Redeemer itself is Grade others pet sized, and an Arsenal hits. Naturally My Way is at the aside for one’s own funeral. make greater efforts to protect ronment – a community hub in Tottenham and Pimlico alone – they exist for everyone II* listed and an extremely memorial. There’s a chapel for top, with We’ll Meet Again riding The funeral in the time of Covid-19 the environment. and destination in one.” before coming to Clerkenwell in the parish. One of the great important landmark. Unfor- all and any denomination – and high. “Now the 1960s genera- has been, says Ann, “desperately There are concerns that the Perhaps the threatened ‘sec- nearly seven years ago. Now things about having a church tunately it’s also on the Her- beyond that is a stairwell leading tion are dying, there’s a lot of sad. Limousines are out because economic impact of the pan- ond wave’ will make decision I’m the first married priest at that is open nearly every day itage at Risk register and we downstairs to the museum. Bob Dylan being chosen.” And of social distancing, and num- demic might make this less of makers sit up and change their Holy Redeemer [Fr Trundle is is that people are able to find have an antiquated heating The collection is the brainchild the requests are becoming more bers have been put on the people a priority, which would be a ways once and for all but mean- married to Lucy with whom space for reflection and prayer system, peeling plaster and of Treacy’s Kelvin Sanderson and informal, including one one who allowed to attend”. Crematoria have huge lost opportunity. while, let’s share ideas and use he has two children] and I’m here. In one sense this is our historic water ingress. That it’s slightly hard to discern from the wanted their dog’s ashes cremated been offering live webcasts but not So this is a call to action this as an opportunity to move responsible for the minis- largest ‘congregation’. aspect takes up much of my road – which may be due to the fact alongside them. Each crematorium everyone has taken to the technol- for local people to think towards the future we want. try, outreach and upkeep of While Church of England time, but in the next decade that we’re not accustomed to walk- has its own discretion about such ogy. The museum remains open to holistically about the conse- the churches. congregations around the I’m sure we’ll restore it to its ing into funeral parlours without a things, says Ann, who used to live visitors and Although you can just quences of their actions. It’s Yvonne Goff Courtney is the Clerkenwell is a place of country are declining, many full glory. Meanwhile, a theme reason. But they’re very happy for upstairs from a previous parlour walk in, says Ann, “It’s probably a astounding how quickly the founder of repurposed hybrid endless fascination, but it can churches in London are buck- I’m thinking about a lot at the clothing label @collagelondon passers-by to enter provided there Learn about death at and is not fazed by bodies. good idea to ring.” And there might economy fell off a cliff and sometimes seem like a place ing the trend. There’s been a moment is that of sanctuary – the Funeral Museum and a freelance design PR isn’t a funeral taking place and the “We used to say goodnight to even be a free cup of coffee. how the burden landed on advisor and writer on the way to somewhere else. slow but steady increase in the all are welcome. EC1 ECHO NO.6 October/November 2020 October/November 2020 NO.6 EC1 ECHO

FEATURESLaura Wright and Mail Rail 8 9 TWO VIEWS POST LOCKDOWN A new view of St John’s Gate has been un earthed by art Returning to work had a A n bittersweet flavour, writes t z e l historian Jeremy Warren and is now in the Order’s museum a

Cooke’s castle Anastasia Georgousis O s m

oday part of the urban context of early 19th-century e n a sunny day in early September, I n

a headquarters of the Clerkenwell and its tightly-packed returned to my office in Farringdon i modern Order, Saint streets, with the dome of Saint Paul’s for the final time. It was my first time John’s Gate is the just visible above the rooftops. back since lockdown began in March. Tmost visible reminder of the Edward Cooke, born in Pentonville, Leaving with a tote bag of my desk historic presence of the Order of was only 15 when he made this draw- Ocontents, I strolled around the familiar streets, Saint John in Clerkenwell. Over ing, proudly dated 30 September 1826. assessing the recent changes. Favourite pubs were the centuries the former gate- It is likely to have been made by the boarded up, some restaurants remained shuttered, house of the medieval priory has young Cooke for his father the engraver office buildings were vacated and the NCP car park was now a mountain of rubble. endured many changes of use, George Cooke, who had ambitious As I walked past the beloved Greek delicatessen in the 18th century becoming plans to publish a large suite of views of and through the still buzzing Exmouth Market, I was the home of the famous journal modern London. George Cooke’s Lon- overwhelmed by an unexpected sense of loss – not We should connect with The Gentleman’s Magazine. By the don and its Vicinity, published between only for my job but for my amazing workplace. others, says artist and early 19th century it had become 1826–34, in the end consisted of a much Despite working on a charity project focused on a pub, The Old Jerusalem reduced series of 48 engravings, the community building, I hadn’t realised that I’d become barista Antzela Osmenai Tavern, reputedly frequented by scenes being eventually selected includ- part of the EC1 community. In less than a year of Charles Dickens. ing one of nearby Clerkenwell Green working here, it had started to feel like home and raw back the curtain – we will be Today the busy Clerkenwell and the Session House – but not the quickly became one of my favourite neighbourhoods, back. We’re champing at the bit Road cuts St John’s Gate off from view of Saint John’s Gate. thanks to its mishmash of architecture, amazing array to run riot and fool around with of food options and fascinating historical buildings. all our beloved characters. the only other part of the medi- The Museum of the Order of Saint Office workers have a bad reputation: a daily But people are struggling and eval priory to survive, the much- John acquired this fascinating his- invading force blamed for gentrification. However, everyone has their own problems in this massive altered St John’s Church with its torical document at auction, with the D for many of us the place we work in becomes as city that sucks us into her rhythm. We end up magnificent medieval crypt. generous help of the Anthony And much a part of our lives as where we live. With a feeling chaotic and forget our normal routines. However, this newly discov- Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settle- large portion of EC1 employees losing our jobs or Feelings seem to have disappeared from the ered drawing by Edward Wil- ment, just before lockdown forced working from home, we have found our connection faces I see, and behind their eyes there often liam Cooke (1811–80), better its temporary closure. The museum to the area abruptly severed. seems to be nothing more than work in mind. known as a painter of marine looks forward to showing the drawing Our weekday lives no longer feature a chat with This is why I strongly believe we give vent to scenes, shows the Gate from as soon as it is able to reopen. food vendors on Leather Lane, or a dash to Marby fantasy, joy, tears, anger, cravings, ideas and the north, giving a wonderful & Elm for a last-minute birthday card. We no longer empathy. We should share our stories, present walk down EC1’s residential roads admiring the them, bring them out and connect with others. idea of how it fitted into the Visit museumstjohn.org.uk window-boxes, or hear the hubbub of the Betsey Like others, I miss those days when I would Trotwood’s drinkers gearing up for the weekend. run to watch theatre and wait for it to begin demic as we move towards winter. Our lunch breaks aren’t sound-tracked by children in silence and at the end, clap. These peo- “In our response to the coronavirus, playing in Spa Fields – a sound that would delight ple, who find the courage to stand in front of St John Ambulance has transformed to William Blake in his nearby resting place. criticism just for acting, singing, dancing or From Jerusalem to Clerkenwell focus the whole organisation on meet- So on this day in early September, I wandered making works of art should be applauded. So ing the immediate needs of the people around lamenting the loss of ‘normal’ life. But as let’s remember who kept you company in your we serve,” says chief executive, Martin I sat outside the comfortingly familiar Briki café lonely lockdown days and also acknowledge The Museum of the Order of St John is directly related to St John Ambulance, Houghton-Brown. “Our skilled volun- watching restaurant patrons dining at new al fresco the role of art. Let your ideas grow, ideas that teers have now spent 151,208 hours tables, my thoughts began to shift. I made note of others might like to kill, and yell to be heard. which has played an extraordinary role during the Covid-19 crisis caring for patients in hospitals and com- the streets I still haven’t explored, the restaurants I Calling myself an artist means that I strive munities across the country, providing am yet to visit, the magazines that will keep arriving to be like the people I admire. This is why I t John Ambulance has • 59,422 hours treating and trans- an invaluable service for NHS colleagues at Mag Culture, and my failure-to-date to secure choose to let everyone know that I am not existed for over 140 porting patients in ambulances across England.” the hidden seat at The Jerusalem Tavern. I acknowl- afraid to speak my mind and to try to make years – and has a back- This has come at a cost. To keep shar- edged my losses, then began counting the myriad people laugh, because I understand the diffi- story dating from 11th • 93,685 hours caring for patients ing first-aid skills with future genera- of reasons to keep coming back to EC1 – long after cult days they might have experienced. I want Scentury Jerusalem where the in hospital emergency depart- tions, St John Ambulance charity needs it is a contractual obligation. them to feel good and also to remind them that first Knights of St John set up a ments the public’s support so it can continue tomorrow is another day. hospital to provide free medical to train of volunteers. As with other I have been there and I know what it takes to A n care to sick pilgrims. • 40,940 hours of support for organisations lockdown paused its main a achieve something that others will just enjoy. s t a Since then the organisation community projects, including income-generating work and St John s Out there, many people are ready to work and i a

has remained devoted to our caring for homeless people, Ambulance launched an emergency fund- G are holding out for a chance, but with fear and e communities and its volunteer transporting family doctors, raising appeal to bring in more than £6 o a government that does not necessarily care, r g uniform still displays the eight- supporting cancer patients million. Activity may take more than a o that cannot easily be accomplished. u

s

i

pointed cross worn by the first and assisting with more than year to reach pre-coronavirus levels. s I also know what failure – which is a big Knights of St John. 142,000 blood donations “After more than 140 years at the heart of part of all of us – means. It’s a long-lasting During the pandemic, the our society, we need the public’s support companion in our lives. But I am proud I have St John Ambulance team took • 4,119 hours of first aid support to ensure we can tackle any second wave or chosen my path and, while luxury is not likely on its biggest mobilisation for the return of sporting events even worse another health emergency on to be part of my life, I get strength from not during peacetime, providing the same scale in the future,” Martin added. allowing people to tell me who to be, and more than 150,000 hours of St John Ambulance’s support for from letting them know who I am. So for now For more information on St John Ambulance’s care. Since 1 April, the health the NHS reached its peak in April work, health advice and details of the charity’s we await for the brighter days to shine and response charity has helped the and May, but the effort continues, current fundraising appeal: until then, enjoy making your stage and play NHS and has given: as England struggles with the pan- Visit sja.org.uk/COVID-19 the part you choose in life. EC1 ECHO NO.6 11

EC1 ECHO NO.6 In praise Oct/Nov 2020

A R T S

Spa Green & C Wells House U of shadows L

Emptied of people during the format film camera and develops them pandemic, Clerkenwell’s streets and at home on the Finsbury Estate. buildings became atmospheric and in T some cases, even more photogenic Part of the idea, says Suzanne, is to than usual. Photographer and long- celebrate their style, but she also term resident Suzanne Sullivan – who likes to show the estates in a good is studying for an MA in Photography light. “Too often, council estates are and Urban Cultures at Goldsmiths – portrayed with burned-out cars and U actually took these pictures prior to the broken windows but the reality is pandemic, but they nonetheless capture often very different. Lubetkin, and some of this year’s eerie beauty. the architects that followed him, were employed to create affordable good With her photographs of local council quality housing which carried in its R estates, including celebrated buildings such design an optimism for the future for as Berthold Lubetkin’s Spa Green Estate, those that live in them. It’s an ambition Suzanne used black and white film to bring worth celebrating and reviving.” out the “light, shade and geometry of the estates.” She takes them on a medium Visit suzannesullivan.squarespace.com Earlstoke Estate Partridge Court E EC1 ECHO NO.6 October/November 2020

The first flyer for Trade nightclub, HISTORY 12 EC1, 29 October 1990 13

hours experience become a Albums were released and tours haven for creativity. outside London undertaken, The host location, Turnmills, taking Trade’s distinctive sound quickly became one of the UK’s to wider audiences. Gender at Curses of the age most renowned nightclubs, Trade was never an issue either. hosting other famous events Trade went on to have a such as The Gallery, Heavenly profound influence on nightlife Slang expert and Clerkenwell resident Social (featuring The Chemical in Britain and abroad. The Jonathon Green mines the rich rudeness Brothers) and Smartie Party. On club didn’t restrict itself to just special events, such as Trade’s Clerkenwell but toured with of our then suburban streets “birthdays”, the rear-located gym resident DJs, taking the Trade and other rooms were opened to experience to most of the UK’s In Whitecross street and Golden Lane the pox, but Hamlet wasn’t the only cope with demand – then club major cities and its own arena one who could pun. In 1600 Thomas capacity could reach over 1,000 at Creamfields dance music Do strapping lasses dwell Haywood in his play Edward IV name- people. It was Trade that was most festival. Trade became a brand And so there do in every street checked some of the pinnaces, fly- admired, though, and the club’s whose reputation went global, Twixt that and Clerkenwell boats and carvels who cruised the grimy motto quickly became “often with events from Amsterdam lanes of Turnbull and Spital: ‘Commend copied, never equalled.” and Barcelona to Johannesburg, From a 17th century ballad me to blacke Luce, bouncing Bess, and Trade would regularly employ Kuala Lumpur and Rio de lusty Kate, and the other pretty morsels go-go dancers and drag queens Janeiro, and residencies in Ibiza, t is not, surely, what most would of man’s flesh.’ and, on special occasions extra Los Angeles, Paris and Moscow. consider a “suburb” but such were performers and singers were hired It made TV fame in 1998 with Channel 4 documentary Trade: The Clerkenwell’s origins. Literally Turnmill, otherwise Turnbull, offered to intensify the experience. Staff All-Night Bender. beneath the city, such early suburbs a pair of place-specific slang terms: ran other special Trade events Sadly, Turnmills closed as a clubbing venue, and Trade’s I– Clerkenwell and nearby Holborn the Turnbull Street bee and the Turnbull including Pride, London’s annual final night was Sunday 16 March 2008. The club opened its among them – may be part of today’s Street flea were, respectively, a sex LGBTQ+ march and festival, and doors at 5am, finishing over 12 hours later. During the event, central London but, in the 16th and worker who was suffering from a Christmas Day when opening time Laurence Malice thanked clubbers and associates for their 17th centuries, they were beyond the sexually-transmitted disease and a crab- was at 10pm and the atmosphere support and requested that everyone “really go for it”. Trade City and its walls, and thus home to louse. Both have been memorialised in Entrance to Trade nightclub at Turnmills, 63b Clerkenwell Road, early 1990s felt even more decadent. DJs past and present performed to a sell-out crowd, and various ‘stink’ industries – tanning, leper early 17th century ballads. The Fayre The music at Trade was innovative, Wardman play the final record being Schöneberg by Marmion. hospitals, playhouses and brothels. Warning adjures: too. It was first to offer club-goers Trade continued one-off events across London then settled the concept of a journey through at Egg on York Way, Islington. It was decided that Trade’s Most notoriously the last. Which made If thou see a whoremonger passing at leisure, sound, with intense techno music. 25th birthday event at Egg in October 2015 would be its suburb (and the adjective suburban) Halfe fearfull his legs will drop off by the knees, Late starter Due to the creativity of male DJs, last. But the sheer drive and creativity of Trade saw it make one of slang’s early contenders: a sex When every justle [i.e. act of intercourse] including Malcolm Duffy, Tony De history as the first gay super-club night, an innovator in music worker could be an aunt of the suburbs, may do him displeasure, Vit, Ian M and Pete Wardman – and and fashion, and a unique brand – all from beginnings three a suburb wench, a suburban strumpet, a He hath been so stung with the Turnbull- Three decades ago, a Clerkenwell club pioneered and a , female DJs including Smokin’Jo, decades ago in EC1. sixpenny suburb-sinnet suburb lady street bees: when thou seest his case, beware Sister Bliss, Queen Maxine, Vicki while the world of prostitution was the up-all-hours club culture. Mark Aston looks back ’ Red, EJ Doubell and Rachel Mark Aston is Local History Manager of Islington Local History suburban trade. Her consort, the pimp, of the place. at Trade – a night to be remembered Auburn – it became the birthplace Centre at Islington Museum, Finsbury Library, 245 St John was a suburban roarer. While the contemporary The Married of hard house. Street EC1V 4NB Woman’s Case explained how: hirty years ago, an escape the fear and homophobic The brothel itself was a house in the idea was born that backlash that the AIDS crisis Trade night club, early 2000s suburbs as well as an academy, a bordello A Woman that to a whore-monger is wed, changed the face brought during the 1980s. (which did not become standard English is in a most desperate case: of nightclubbing. Trade also had the unusual until the 18th century), and a selection She scarce dares performe her duty in bed, TThe 1980s gay club scene was opening times of 3am and 5am of terms punning on slang’s favourite with one of condition so base: thriving, playing disco, electronic Clerkenwell (until 1pm) on Sunday mornings. synonym for the vagina: a cony-burrow For sometimes hee’s bitten and early house music in This set it apart from other (or cony-berry, cony- or cunny-borough). with Turnbull-street Fleas, venues such as Heaven, the gay weekends were clubs and its exclusivity further There were multiple names, perhaps The Pox, or some other infectious disease. ‘superclub’ in Charing Cross. fuelled the desire to be a part of most elusive was picked-hatch, literally a Then the arrival of dance quiet but the what Trade had to offer. half-door ‘piked’ with spikes; designed Turnmill’s not-so-distant ‘cousin’ was music and the drug ecstasy in Clerkenwell became a spiritual to keep out unwanted visitors, in this (and is) Whitecross Street. The 19th the late 80s changed nightlife arrival of Trade home for the followers of Trade. case presumably the authorities. The century sociologist James Greenwood again and Trade – London’s first For centuries the area had a first Picket-hatch was a tavern-cum- called it the “wickedest street in legal after-hours dance club – dramatically history of being a sanctuary for brothel in Turnmill Street, a heaven London”, and its notoriety was long took it to another level. non-conformists but in the 80s (or hell) of commercial sex and established. It offered similar pleasures Advertised as “the original altered the the area seemed an unlikely drunkenness, although later uses are to Turnmill, notably ‘the Half-crown- all-night bender”, Trade place to go out. City workers generic and refer to Clerkenwell’s chuck-office’. Chuck as in ‘throw’. This was launched by Irish-born situation frequented the district during larger red-light district. A picked-hatch was a ‘game’ whereby a sex-worker Laurence Malice in October the week, while the weekends captain was a pimp. To go to the manor would stand on her head, exhibiting 1990 at Turnmills on Clerkenwell were quiet. The arrival of Trade of picked hatch was to visit a brothel her spread vulva and clients would Road, near Farringdon Station. dramatically altered the situation. and is used as such, by Falstaff in The throw coins into her vagina. As a 1660 Laurence’s aim was to create a While the club night was Merry Wives of Windsor. sex guide explained: ‘Witness Priss safe haven where people could perceived to cater for the Fotheringham’s Chuck-office, where be themselves and also to help LGBTQ+ community, as long The whole area was a centre of sex French Dollars, Spanish pistols, English stop the risks gay men faced after as an individual had the right work: “every street twixt that and Half-crowns are as plentifully pour’d in clubs closed, such as ‘queer- attitude they were welcome at Clarkenwell, Cow-crosse, Smith-field . […] as she was showing tricks upon her bashing’ or arrests from cruising. Trade. The freedom to self- . . and all country girls” which may have head with naked buttocks and spread Above all, he wanted it to be express through art, music and meant fresh and rural and still free from legges in a round ring.’ Other days. a place where clubbers could fashion saw this unique after- EC1 ECHO NO.6 October/November 2020

Naoroji has appeared on HISTORY 14 Indian postage stamps 15

significance of his election to wrote of British colonial rule shows in his excellent biography India's 'Grand Old Man' in Clerkenwell parliament: “If there is anything as “a bleeding process with of Naoroji, racism was stronger corresponding to a conquering a vengeance,” as the empire among the elite than among the power in India, it is in the House “appropriated…more than the working classes. of Commons that its centre is total sum of income of the 60 Some may have been to be found.” millions of agricultural and Naoroji’s Liberal opponents industrial labourers of India..” resorted to “England for the intrigued by the name of Naoroji’s research enabled him English” rhetoric to thwart his to develop political demands By the 1890s, despite the for- campaign. “In their ability to sin- Clerkenwell’s Naoroji for reform and justice. Winning mation of the Indian National gle out and malign Naoroji with a seat in the House, however, Congress in 1885 – with Naoroji racial epithets,” Patel argues, Street. As Professor required skilled politics. There as a founding member – little “[Liberal] party officials in Cen- was no ready-made ethnic had changed. It was time to tral Finsbury gave stiff competi- Indian voter base in the 1890s so bring the movement to Britain tion to the Conservative prime Inderjeet Parmar of City, Naoroji built political alliances with petitions and leaflets. In minister”. While these elites vied that were transnational and the House of Commons, writes with each other to show how University of London multiracial, alongside women Patel, Naoroji courageously much of an “outsider” Naoroji suffragists and working-class “proposed measures such as was, thousands of local working writes, the Indian voters demanding action for free education and the extension people “gathered on Clerken- economic and social rights. of the Factory Acts, supported well Green to protest and pass a Home Rule for Ireland in 1892, resolution recognising Naoroji as economist and MP Naoroji’s election dealt a severe and also wished to introduce the official Liberal candidate…” blow to Conservative Prime reforms for India, particularly Minister Lord Salisbury, who Dadabhai Naoroji had to the Indian Civil Service and The campaign to prevent controversially asserted that the legislative councils…” The Fac- Naoroji’s Liberal candidacy country was “not ready to elect a global influence as well tory Acts aimed specifically at was ferocious as rivals sought black man”. Yet, in working-class working conditions in Britain’s to play the race card. Yet such Central Finsbury, Naoroji won “dark satanic mills”. moves drew vociferous criticism as strong local links – the seat with a majority of just at mass meetings in the con- five votes, earning the nickname But Naoroji dropped demands stituency, with racists shouted and has gained a new “narrow-majority” from his crit- for Indian “home rule” in order down by local residents. Naoroji ics. Working-class, liberal Fins- to build an alliance with political responded with great tenacity. bury was ready – but only just. relevance this year elites. Hansard reports that “He “They think they can keep down [Naoroji] knew that Britain did the mild Hindoo,” he told a Brit- Naoroji’s “drain” theory then ish friend. “I will show them.” tatues and monuments to the pre- made its way to Karl Marx, And Central Finsbury’s Liberal viously great and good seem to be according to the Indian scholar’s electors lapped up the idea that falling at a rapid rate in the BLM biographer, Dinyar Patel (see their candidate for parliament era. Universities are under renewed footnote). A few days later, Marx "In working-class Central Finsbury, would bring “the blessings.. [of ] pressure to “decolonise the curric- 250,000,000 [people of ] India..”

ulum” and recognise the contribu- Dadabhai Naoroji, 1892, London tions of scholars of colour, women, Stereoscopic & Photographic Naoroji won the seat with a majority Naoroji’s remarkable story A process of uncovering past pro- Naoroji had hardly landed in Liver- Company, published by Messrs and the global South, to enhance R.M. Richardson & Co, National is now largely forgotten. Yet it gressive figures who have slipped pool in 1855 to set up the first Indian Portrait Gallery study of the role of empire. City, from popular memory is afoot. business in Britain, when he felt of just five votes” is a story of the making of the University of London, for example, One prime candidate is Dadabhai moved to challenge the way British modern world. He represented the constituency in which City, has dropped Sir John Cass’s name from Naoroji, who inspired Mahatma colonial rule drained the wealth of The economist and public figure in cartoons S its Business School because Cass profited Gandhi, championed the education India. He condemned “the deplor- not want India to suffer—he was University of London, is located from the slave trade. and equal rights of girls and women able drain [of economic wealth from sure that if the House knew how with the mission of the Institute in India, opposed poverty in India India to England], besides the mate- to remedy the evil they would do being “the promotion of the and in Britain, and championed rial exhaustion of India…” A skilled justice to India…” Naoroji kept his industrial skill, general knowl- Irish home rule. Naoroji, an Indian and critical economist, he rejected support for Indian home rule pri- edge, health and well-being of businessman, scholar and activist, the routine theory that the wealth vate and promoted his motivation young men and women belong- was also the first Asian MP, repre- and poverty of nations was beyond as driven by British patriotism. ing to the poorer classes”. His senting Clerkenwell in the British human action. In reports and tes- venture into the imperial lion’s House of Commons – incredibly, timony at House of Commons’ Yet in 1893, he formed the den brought the struggle for way back in 1892. A discreet plaque committees, Naoroji challenged Indian Parliamentary Party within justice and dignity to the very in his honour adorns an exterior wall economists, India Office civil ser- the House of Commons to focus core of the Raj. He understood of Finsbury Town Hall and Naoroji vants and colonial administrators to attention on Indian matters. that empire was not something Street commemorates him too. show that the poverty of India was Naoroji became a member of that happened somewhere “out the direct result of British rule – the Royal Commission on Indian there” – and that its beating Yet this hardly seems sufficient especially the taxation that financed Expenditure in 1895 to demon- heart was centred in Parliament. given Naoroji’s historic significance. the Indian government and military. strate that the British Empire had He was a champion of free mass reduced the “jewel in the crown”

education in India, and in Britain A professor at Elphinstone Col- to desperation and poverty. His Inderjeet Parmar is professor he built productive alliances with lege in Bombay before leaving for election in a predominantly of international politics at City, the “ragged schools” movement England, he served for a time as working-class constituency University of London, and visiting professor at LSE IDEAS. leader Mary Carpenter. She, in turn, professor of Gujarati at University demonstrated that racism was helped in promoting education for College, London. The Manchester not a prejudice held by all uned- Dinyar Patel, author of 'Naoroji: Naoroji’s plaque on Finsbury Town Hill Pioneer of Indian Nationalism' the poor in colonial India. Guardian in 1892 noted the political ucated Britons. Indeed, as Patel (Harvard University Press, 2020) The secret life of our area can be What Lies Beneath seen in a new series of pictures

Innovation Warehouse Charterhouse

The confinement that we’ve all experienced this year has happened to exhibitions as well, with some being cancelled, postponed or mothballed. This is what happened to The Hidden City, Photographs by a photographic exhibition showing the hidden inspiration behind the scenes in the City of London, including several in the EC1 area. Emile Holba Emile Holba, a documentary and portraiture photographer and winner of the British Journal

Music in Offices

of Photography Portrait of Britain Awards, All triptychs – pictures made up of three parts gained access to these places, drawing out – each tells their own micro-story, and while a real sense of secret space and behind- they were conceived and shot before lockdown, the-scenes busy-ness. Holba found a rich Holba’s photographs are a reassuring reminder seam of such places, including the amazing that life goes on. Barts Pathology Museum, the Charterhouse, Music in Offices, City Music Foundation, The Hidden City by Emile Holba, commissioned Innovation Warehouse, Maggie’s Centre and by City of London Corporation for Culture Pathology Museum The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. Mile: culturemile.london/the-hidden-city

16 FEATURE EC1 ECHO NO.6 NO.6 EC1 ECHO FEATURE 17 EC1 ECHO NO.6 October/November 2020 October/November 2020 NO.6 EC1 ECHO CULTURE MILE 18 Support local E A M M O

C E M

independent E

B EC1 B E

journalism R

What we do Individual rewards Here at EC1 Echo we do things differently. We combine professional journalism with voluntary £3 per month upwards: contributions from people who live and work in Name in print and online, pin badge the area and create content which is responsive to and reflective of the community. £5 per month upwards: Name in print and online, pin badge, tote Imagine a better community These are challenging times for print media bag, paper posted to you every month with many newspapers closing and advertising revenue in decline, but our not-for-profit with Culture Mile model offers a new approach to creating local ulture Mile is the City Imagine Fund Whatever the idea, as long it as has journalism which is inclusive and accountable. Organisational rewards of London’s cultural With our lives feeling more local relevance to the area, will benefit district, stretching from than ever, Culture Mile recognised local people and is something you’re Farringdon to Moorgate. an opportunity to create new ways interested in, then Culture Mile £10 per month: CLed by the City of London Corpo- of working that would not only bring want to hear from you. How you can help Name in print and online, SPONSORED CONTENT ration, with the Barbican, Guildhall residents, artists and organisations Culture Mile aim to shortlist a School of Music & Drama, London closer together but would help create variety of projects that support As a not-for-profit publication, started by The 10% discount on advertising Symphony Orchestra and the the best possible environment to all communities from the area so Peel, a longstanding Clerkenwell charity, we Museum of London, its five core co-exist during this challenging time. no project is too small or local. In partners work together on creating With the launch of their Imagine return, support with the develop- rely on the generous support of our community. £20 per month: a vibrant, creative area in the north- Fund, Culture Mile is offering ment of the idea will be offered to We look to our readers, who recognise the value Name and logo in print and online, west corner of the Square Mile. ten micro-grants supporting local successful applicants including a Usually, this collaboration would people to develop new ideas that will grant of up to £500, development of independent journalism, to help support us. 20% discount on advertising result in public events, from large- help benefit the area and the lives of sessions with artists, partners or scale family festivals for up to 20,000 the people within it. other relevant organisations and You can do this by becoming a member either £50 per month: people, to bespoke events with local The ideas that Culture Mile is a sharing event at the end of the as an individual or as an organisation. See the residents such as family days and cre- looking to fund are very much process to celebrate the commu- Name and logo in print and online, 40% ative workshops. However, the global community based. Maybe you are nity creations. rewards opposite and once you’ve decided what discount, six free small adverts per year coronavirus pandemic has prompted keen to start a knitting group for For more information on the package you would like, visit EC1Echo.co.uk/join Culture Mile to revaluate how they you and your neighbours or per- application process, criteria for interact and engage with the place haps you’d like to share your home selection and other questions, that so many of us live and work. cooking skills through a series of visit the Culture Mile website. local classes? It could be the time to We would like to say thank you to our members: develop that film screening you’ve CDJ Wilcox, Daniel Winn, Laurence Colchester, Diana Alsobrook, always wanted to organise, con- To explore what’s happening in and around Sarah Falconer, David Chapman, Tania Cohen, Brian Jones duct a storytelling session or even Culture Mile, simply visit www.culturemile.london make a start on a research project. or follow @CultureMileLDN on social media. 20 EC1 ECHO NO.6 October/November 2020 Advertisement

winkworth.co.uk/clerkenwell

We’re on the Market... 66 Exmouth Market, EC1. We are here to help anyone looking to buy, sell, rent or let in the EC1 area. SALES

Bakers Row, EC1 Silverdale Court, Goswell Rd, EC1 Ziggurat Building, EC1 Myddelton Square, EC1 £800,000 £850,000 £1,150,000 £1,100,000 A smart two bedroom penthouse This spacious two bedroom, two bathroom Located in this former print works A triple aspect, top floor apartment set apartment in a contemporary building flat is offered with a share of the freehold. building, is a must see for anyone looking across two Georgian townhouses. The close to Exmouth Market. to purchase a loft style apartment. property, which is a lateral conversion, offers a wealth of charm and character, overlooking this picturesque garden square. LETS

Levyne Court, Pine St, EC1 Dance Square, EC1 Newbury Street, EC1 Saffron Hill, EC1 £375pw / £1,625 pcm £450pw / £1,950 pcm £650pw / £2,816.66 pcm £540pw / £2,340 pcm A well-presented one bedroom apartment A luxury one bedroom apartment, with This wonderfully presented two double Just under 1,000sq ft of living space, this in Levyne Court, situated in a low rise balcony; situated in the newly built Central bedroom, warehouse style apartment, property comprises of two bedrooms, two modern apartment block on Pine Street, Square development, just moments from boasts 970sq ft of floor space. Located bathrooms and is situated within a few off Exmouth Market and Rosebery Avenue. the city in EC1. on a very quiet street only moments minutes’ walk to Farringdon Station and from Barbican, Farringdon and St. Pauls Hatton Garden. stations.

Winkworth Clerkenwell & City 66 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QP 020 7405 1288 (SALES) | 020 7405 1266 (LETTINGS [email protected]