EC1 ECHO APR/MAY 2021 N 9 FREE

NEWS FEATURES HISTORY EC1Echo.co.uk Migrateful’s new Lights, camera and A walk along EC1’s @EC1Echo cookery school action – Clerkenwell elusive aqueduct – opens shortly on film the New River EC1Echo@ /EC1Echo P 5 P 12–13 P 14–15 peelinstitute.org.uk

Filming ‘The Last Letter’ in Wilmington Square © Filmfixer Welcome to ‘Clerkenwood’ The EC1 area has long been attractive to filmmakers seeking a historic location. Here, EC1 Echo finds out why the area is such a draw

BY OLIVER BENNETT here thanks to company FilmFixer With its historic ambience, many How do they mask off modern life? which is, says senior film officer Tim films in Clerkenwell are period dra- “Obviously, visual effects take place With Georgian streets and squares, Reynard, “a third party contractor mas. “Obviously, the architecture and productions do use a ‘green normally busy cafes and streets, and that manages 14 London boroughs, lends itself very well to those kinds screen’,” says Tim. “But it’s abso- a number of period estates and tower including Islington.” of production,” says Tim. “Popular lutely remarkable what they can add blocks, Clerkenwell is one of those With staff that are all passionate locations include Exmouth Market, and remove, whether it’s a parking versatile areas that offer locations for about film, working for FilmFixer is Clerkenwell Green and Clerkenwell sign, yellow lines on a road – which many kinds of films. rewarding. “Everybody’s got a film Close, where the church and build- can be completely covered – or street Hence the high numbers of film and TV background,” says Tim. “It’s a ings really lend themselves well to lights.” Sometimes, a film’s director of crews in the area – and they’re mostly great feeling to bring a production off.” period dramas.” Continued on Page–13 EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 Bevin Court staircase by N 9 NEWS 2 Dieter Wagner (over 65s) COLUMN 3 APR / Tom Neumark is leaving The Peel Tech giant moving to Farringdon Barbican due after four exciting years including MAY igns of life are creep- a revamp ing back into Far- supporting the launch of EC1 Echo. ringdon. The video 2021 app company TikTok Although the Centre Here, he says goodbye and notes the is taking space above the new for Music has been st st S 1 Apr 31 May Farringdon East Crossrail cancelled, the Barbican changes he’s seen in Clerkenwell station in Smithfield. The new Centre is now to get a Waning Waning office, called The Kaleido- o plan survives being Gibbous Gibbous scope building, is being seen major refurbishment punched in the mouth, as 81% / 0.55 69% / 0.52 as a vote of confidence in the lans for a £288m London Nthe old saying goes. This post-Covid office climate and Centre for Music – which past year feels as though we’ve TikTok expects to move in Pwas to have been on the site all been punched in the mouth. EC1 Echo is the 2022 with some 850 employ- currently occupied by the Museum of How will we respond, what type area's free community ees. Matthew Bonning-Snook London after the museum’s move to of neighbourhood will we create? newspaper. We of the developers Helical, said: West Smithfield – have been axed in Do we need a plan? publish bi-monthly “TikTok is a perfect business favour of an upgrade to the Barbican It’s a difficult question, not least and distribute 7,500 for both the building and the Centre, which will celebrate its 40th because even before Covid, Clerken- free copies of each area’s ambition to be a destina- anniversary next year. well never felt to me like a place that tion for culture and creativity.” Although the concert hall had EC1 photography competition loves plans. It’s a messy, organic, issue – and we will TikTok joins other tech giants been seen as an upgrade from the higgledy-piggledy kind of place. It continue to do so in the EC1 area, most notably become the first central Lon- Crossrail chief executive said: Barbican Centre’s concert hall, the gets off to an encouraging start feels easier to say what we’re not, people that want to build a more during the ongoing Linkedin, which is in The Ray don station be handed over to “I am delighted that Farringdon anticipated expenditure after a year pictures are taken in Clerkenwell part of Metro’s long established than what we are, or what we want connected community for us all. BY CHRIS WALKER public health crisis. building in Farringdon Road. Transport for London, pending station has been handed over to of Covid and the departure of its or EC1. There is also a special mentorship programme. to be. We’re not the City, we’re not Then Covid hit us all like a punch Meanwhile, the Farringdon Crossrail’s expected opening London Underground, this is a main cheerleader, the conductor n our last edition we featured £100 prize for the image that best The competition is being sup- the West End and we’re not quite to the mouth and all our plans had Publisher East Crossrail Station has later next year. Mark Wild, huge milestone for Crossrail.” Sir Simon Rattle from the London news of a new local photog- captures the phrase ‘Connected ported by The Peel and EC1 Echo East London. What are we? to be rewritten. The past year has David Floyd Symphony Orchestra (LSO) to Iraphy competition. Now Community’. This is based, says alongside some great sponsors This defiant character has pro- shown everyone both the pain that Munich are thought to have been the Clerkenwell Community Sara Bloch of The Peel, on its and highly recognised judges. duced some incredible things. loneliness and isolation can cause, Editor contributory factors. Photography Competition is “mission for more than 100 years “The competition runs until We’re an area that’s known for and the power of our community. Oliver Bennett Blocks left without heating Instead the City of London is to up and running and has already to make Clerkenwell a more con- July,” says Chris. “The best way creativity, for craft and for radical- We’ve seen office buildings and Designer BY ED SHERIDAN, tinuous failures of their heating in Central Street. revamp the Barbican Centre. attracted some great entries, a nected community.” to keep up-to-date is to keep ism. A place for people to dance, restaurants stand empty, but we’ve Jonathan Duncan LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER and hot water. Council officers were also crit- “We’re delighted that a major few of which are featured here. Clerkenwell has a great photog- visiting the website. Sign up to study and to design. So much also seen hundreds of volunteers Head of Operations “What would happen is icised, with communications project to renew the Barbican Aimed at everyone from school- raphy heritage. Kodak’s factory to the Newsletter, which will of what makes this an amazing mobilised, hot meals delivered and ouncillors on Isling- Gem, the contractors for with residents on the issue will be launched in 2022, its children with camera phones, and storefront once sat at 41–43 include news of spot prizes, part of the world seems to be Zoom classes attended. Paige Ballmi ton’s housing scru- repairs, would turn up, they slated by Graham as “bloody 40th anniversary, updating to older people with point-and- Clerkenwell Road and many special offers, tips and online impossible to capture in a plan or The Peel has been delighted to play Engagement Manager tiny committee have would get it working, leave condescending”. our iconic venue in line with shoot cameras and pros with all commercial photographers have talks from professionals” a strategy or document. it’s part in this. We’ve all learned a Penny Dampier hit out at both hous- the site, then 10 minutes later The councillor accused cer- sustainability, climate action, the kit, the initiative is intended set up their studios here. The I am now stepping down as CEO lot and I am sure that if we had our Cing officers and contractors over I’m getting another call saying tain officers of “total disre- and the ever-changing needs of to let people share what Clerken- world famous Magnum Photos of The Peel so I will not be con- time over we would have done some Contributors significant communal heating it’s gone down again. Then it spect” in a meeting held on 2 audiences, communities, and our well means to them. are in Clerkenwell, as is Metro tributing my voice to future con- things differently. But let’s hope we Ed Sheridan, Chris Walker, failures on two council-run would take forever for them to March in which his representa- many performers, including our The inclusive, non-profit Imaging – both of whom are versations. I have led The Peel for do not have this time all over again! Tom Neumark, Deiter Wagner, estates in the borough. come back. tion of residents is said to have superb resident orchestra, the competition will be free involved with the project. As part four years. It’s been such a joy to It has been great working with vol- T. Barrington, Gisela Meyer, To get in touch: Residents at the Redbrick “This shouldn’t be happen- provoked eye-rolling amongst LSO,” said Sir Nicholas Kenyon, to enter and will have four of our partnership with Metro Email photographyawards@ witness firsthand the wonders our unteers from all walks of life, setting Yen-Yen Teh, Sean McGovern, peelinstitute.org.uk David Wilcox, Carrie Supple, Estate, Old Street EC1 and ing. We’ve got the old blocks housing officers. Managing Director of the Barbican. age groups: under 18s, 18-29, Imaging, based on Great Sut- part of London has to offer: from up socially distanced or remote groups For more details: Juliana Lottmann, Valerie Braithwaite House It is understood that one “Accessibility and inclusivity will 30-65, and over 65s. ton Street, we are offering a 12 Visit clerkenwellphotography.com Sadler’s Wells for people to bake Bossman-Quarshie, Andy at Bunhill Row both breakdown occured on be key, with new civic spaces “It’s deliberately weighted month bespoke mentorship as Instagram clerkenwellphotography theatre to City and sing and chat Keate, Elena Vardon, Paul suffered “significant “The more council the same day that a bill for our community and creative to make sure there’s plenty of University and tell stories, Lincoln, Mark Aston, Barnaby “Clerkenwell Rogerson, Peadar Sionoid, and continued fail- properties we build for £15,000 was sent to learning programmes. This renewal opportunity for those at the to Exmouth but it’s been George Feltham-Parish, Veran ures” over the weekend, leaseholders for insulation will enhance the civic role of the younger and older ends of the Market to never felt to me hard losing loved Patel, Diana Alsobrook, Mirela according to housing the better” in the heating system, with Barbican and make it the creative community,” says Chris Walker, Charterhouse, ones and seeing Popoveniuc, Katrina Fialko scrutiny chair Cllr Graham adding: “When home for the next generation.” the initiative’s creator. “Younger we are so others become Michael O’Sullivan, though falling apart, we’re building they’re sitting there freezing, barbican.org.uk photographers are encouraged lucky to have like a place that more fearful CONTACT residents are understood to lovely new places and the more they’ve got no hot water, and to take part and we’re keen to a wealth of and isolated. have been suffering continued council properties we build the they’re looking at this bill on attract entries from older locals. world-class loves plans” It seems that Email problems as far back as 2017. better, but we cannot treat res- the table for £15,000 from us, Some may not be as familiar with organisations, now we are enter- [email protected] Cllr Phil Graham said that, idents as second-class citizens. it’s pretty appalling. The timing technology, but they’ll be very places and things to do. ing another new phase, for Finsbury Post while he had previously been “Residents are furious, they’re was all wrong.” familiar with the area, and may I have also seen the struggles that and for our country. What questions 7–11 Coppermill Lane, proud of the Town Hall’s going to the papers, they’re Addressing a meeting with bring a different perspective”. people face. Young people growing should we be asking? I would suggest Walthamstow E17 7HA Bunhill energy centres, which going everywhere to try to find housing lead Cllr Diarmaid There are some small cash up in overcrowded flats, isolated we ask ourselves how we can make capture warmth from the out what they can do. We need Ward and corporate director prizes of £50 for the winners older people and gang violence. Clerkenwell a vibrant place and also ADVERTISING London Underground to heat to totally turn around how we for housing Maxine Hold- of each age category, but also EC1 is not so much a tale of two a welcoming place, one where there homes, he “won’t even men- look at and treat our residents. sworth, the Bunhill ward coun- chances for some to get an intro- nations, as a tale of hundreds of is a seat at the table for everyone. Contact Klaudia Kiss: tion them now”. They deserve better.” cillor warned that the problems duction to the professional pho- nations that do not always interact I am sure, whatever answers Call 020 8521 7956 He warned that the council Graham called for a backup at Redbrick and Braithwaite tography world – from individual or have much to say to each other. we find to these questions, that Email will lose all the benefits of the system for the blocks, while were representative of a wider advice and portfolio reviews, to This is a challenge but it is one The Peel will be part of the con- [email protected] innovation “if we don’t have branding the response times of issue with older housing stock a mentoring programme and that our passionate community versation. Thank you to every- residents happy with the ser- contractors an “absolute dis- in the borough. Graham called the chance to spend a day on a responded to with energy and one who has made my time in EC1 Echo is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of The vice they’re provided with”. grace all weekend”, having been for an audit of all the older professional photography shoot. enthusiasm. The Peel has been Clerkenwell and with The Peel Press. For more information on the EC1 Echo’s complaints policy and Graham said: “Two blocks in informed of delays because of properties to see what needs To make the competition as easy honoured to support street par- so memorable. Good luck to us how to make a complaint visit: particular, Vickery Court and another heating failure caused to be done rather than waiting Barbican conservatory as possible to enter, the theme is ties, local newspapers and scores all and let’s hope that there are EC1Echo.co.uk/complaints Credit Wikicommons Bartholomew Court had con- by a power cut at Rahere House for things to go wrong. completely open – as long as the The Italian Procession, by T Barrington of other activities started by better times ahead. EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 NEWS 4 NEWS 5 Poetry in the park The secret history Map the A new interactive map carries the history streets of Islington’s LGBTQ+ community Help us join the

BY SEAN MCGOVERN Thankfully ‘Islington’s Pride’, a to enjoy either at home or while dots in Clerkenwell project funded by the National you’re out and about. Additionally, BY DAVID WILCOX hen it comes to iden- Lottery Heritage Fund and Isling- we are not just putting LGBTQ+ tifying our commu- ton Council, has been addressing heritage on the map, we’ve even s pandemic restrictions are nity heritage, some this issue. For the past five years, it created our own contribution in eased, the EC1 Echo aims reminders of our has been working hard to preserve, the form of 50 eye-catching com- to help anyone living and past,W such as notable buildings, statues protect and celebrate the queer her- memorative plaques, which are soon working in EC1, or planning and street names, are easier to recog- itage of the borough. to be installed across the borough, visits,A to re-engage and explore an area nise than other less physical presences. As a result, the project team has including in EC1 for Phil Cox and that’s so rich in heritage and attractions. The heritage, however, of mar- built up a broad and diverse collec- his pirate radio show Gaywaves. Shops, indoor leisure and outdoor ginalised or once-ignored groups, tion of LGBTQ+ related material, Community heritage is about cel- hospitality venues are due to open on such as the LGBTQ+ community, housed at Islington Local History ebrating people that we know and April 12, followed by indoor mixing in is more diffused. A borough with Centre in EC1. We are pleased to also recognising the contributions homes, pubs and restaurants on May a background of radical history, announce that this unique collection of those with whom we may not 17. Complete easing of restrictions is Islington is also the birthplace of will, once again, be accessible by be so familiar. The 50 plaques are planned for June 21. the gay rights movement in Britain. appointment from mid-April 2021, merely a cross section of over 150 With urban renewal think tank and This began with the momentous, when the Centre reopens following points of interest on the Isling- social enterprise Create Streets, and first Gay Liberation Front demon- Covid lockdown. ton’s Pride heritage Humap, hon- a group led by myself, local writer stration at Highbury Fields in 1970. ouring the people who fought to David Wilcox and mapping specialist Some of our LGBTQ+ heritage change laws, contributed to arts, Barbara Brayshay, we are launching is easier to recall, such as Britain’s “We will make education and politics, as well an interactive map inviting people first gay Mayor and first gay MP, Bob as the places we went to meet, to nominate their favourite places Crossman and Chris Smith respec- the borough’s drink, dance and be carefree. We and spaces. These could be for tively, who even served Islington once marginalised are cautiously optimistic that by entertainment, meeting in the open, and Finsbury concurrently. Other the end of April, and following food and drink, worship, socialising, aspects of the heritage, unfortu- history visible” the government’s reopening road- entertainment, or learning. nately, often run the risk of disap- map, we will be able to install our We’ll then use the information on the pearing altogether because these A central showpiece of the project plaques and to share our digital map in several ways that we hope will help were not considered worth keeping is the soon-to be-released ‘Humap’, map with the people of Islington residents, businesses and organisations. new poetry commission has by the Barbican and London Wall. Women for Women Refugees, Core Arts there are people,” said Kit Finnie. “Having or recording or became discarded, our digital LGBTQ+ heritage map. and beyond, as we make the bor- We’ll build on projects already just been unveiled at the City The full poem will also appear online, and The Peel, exploring themes of sound said that, gardens are all about regrowth and lost or forgotten over time. For these This features biographies, stories, ough’s once marginalised and hid- aimed at improving connections and of London’s Moor Lane Com- as well as an audio recording by the poet, and silence; community and coping; home rebirth, so this isn’t a poem about Covid. areas of history, sometimes all we oral-history extracts, images and den LGBTQ+ history truly visible. communications – and develop new ones. munity Garden. The poem, followed by original poems from mem- and boundaries and surprise and delight. This poem really grew out of the conver- have to work with is memory itself, walking trails and, furthermore, it calledA A Portrait of You in a Garden, Now, bers of the community this spring. Along “This mirrors the content of the poem: sations we had in workshops around the and when those recollections are will be accessible on a wide vari- Discover more at: was written by poet Kit Finnie and with students, Kit worked with residents it touches on the universal aspects of lock- garden, and the complexity and wonder of gone – they’re gone. ety of digital and smart platforms islingtonpride.com “We are launching an appears across eight panels, as part of the and community groups in the local area down in the UK, while also acknowledging people’s lives beyond the current moment.” Credit Islington Pride interactive map inviting urban garden’s structure, which is inspired including Age UK, Claremont Project, that there are as many unique experiences as Visit culturemile.london people to nominate their favourite places and spaces”

And… breathe This new interactive map set to launch will be invaluable for Culture Mile visitors and workers, as they begin to return to the Musician Gisela Meyer talks about her lockdown initiative of free weekly area, as well as for its residents finding the hidden creativity around every corner. breathing workshops With both the Barbican and Museum of uring the first lockdown, patients – I love interdisciplinary col- with others, whether musicians or not. Irrespective of geography, it’s cer- London due to open in May, in line with I wanted to connect with and laboration like that, and I’m personally When we are anxious, we take shallow tainly been a lovely way to bring peo- the latest government guidance, Culture get to know more people in interested in both wellbeing and music and ineffective breaths. Stress makes us ple together. Perhaps blended sessions Mile’s programme of events and creative the area. It seemed a good more vulnerable to illness. could work in future – with in person activities will begin to extend outside and Didea to do something related to my skills Good breathing habits can strengthen and online – maybe even outside if you into the streets including a pop-up choir, – I am a classical pianist and singer. “Take a Breather was the immune system – and help us calm can overcome inevitable technical issues guided walks, community gardening and I think we all have something to share, inspired by an ENO/ down. It is certainly working for me and like background noise. a repurposing clothing venture will start and I felt it was the right time for me to from the feedback I’ve received, it also to take place throughout the community. share my skills and connect with others seems to work for others. Let’s be creative in recovering from NHS initiative to help In this article was Gisela Meyer in this time of isolation. The sessions are I would love to continue in person after interviewed by Yen-Yen Teh the pandemic, and build on what we’ve always designed for all, partly because lockdown, but it will depend on lots of learned. Keep in touch with the EC1 Covid patients” Yen-Yen Teh is the founder of Clerkenwell- of my non-medical background but also practical factors including finding a suitable based architecture & design practice Emulsion: Echo both here and online at www. because I found we could all use some so it was a natural step. I also wanted to venue. It would also be great to meet and emulsionarchitecture.com ec1echo.co.uk. planned calming-down time. be more aware of my own breathing – still be able to include those who might Take a Breather sessions take place online weekly, on Thursday nights, 6–6.30pm. To read more and You can contribute to the map here ‘Take a Breather’ was inspired by an not just during practice, but all the time prefer online sessions, especially as a lot sign up to TAB or the monthly online Singalong, communities.createstreets.com/EC1 and ENO/NHS initiative to help Covid – and to share my breathing techniques of people join in from outside London. please visit: giselameyer.me.uk find updates in the News tab. EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 COMMUNITY 6 7 COLUMN

ssm rie Bo an-Q ale ua V rs llr h Journey t o Justice’s Carrie Supple hopes C ie to spread a message of change and hope ll over the country We were spoiled for choice because Chartist, whose shop was near Bunhill has been seen by over 180,000 people. people are hoping the borough is teeming with examples Fields and who endured six months’ We now want to widen our impact for change. Change in and ‘firsts’ – the first women’s book- imprisonment here at Clerkenwell. to reach more people. To ensure our what neighbours can do shop, the first phone line for gay people, At the exhibition students from online exhibition is as engaging as togetherA maybe, or improved ser- the first community centre for people CANDI welcomed visitors, includ- the physical one, we will work with vices to the community – perhaps with learning difficulties. Our stories ing school groups, and there was a a design agency who can bring all changes in the law, or for a safer, included Oscar Abrams, architect and full programme of events with walks aspects of the exhibition to life online, healthier, more equal world. founder of the Keskidee Centre, the and talks, workshops, music and including music, poetry and art. Your Recently, the pandemic, Black first Black community centre in the UK; history and discussions about Hollo- contribution could galvanise thousands Lives Matter, the climate crisis and Edith Garrud, who at 4’ 10” tall trained way Prison, climate justice and being of people to take the first steps towards the womens’ protests have made us suffragettes to use jujitsu and James Jewish in Britain. Over 3,000 people making the change they want to see. Life cycle think even more about what kind Watson, the radical publisher and visited and nationally, the exhibition Visit avivacommunityfund.co.uk/jtoj of society we want to live in. Cllr Valerie Bossman- Journey to Justice is a national human rights education charity. Quarshie took to her We tell the stories of ordinary bike to escape the people who have managed to make confines of lockdown change and which can galvanise us to act. That is our mission. For ockdown left many of us at five years we’ve taken our travelling home and isolated. Local multi-arts, multi-media, interac- bike hangers have been full, tive exhibition to 15 places telling street bike storage filled up little known stories from the UK and some bikes just ended and the US civil rights movement. Lup occupying space within one’s home And people have told us again and like a wall-mount displaying a work of art. Migrateful set to open a again how this has inspired them. It’d been a long time, but encouragement In summer 2019 the exhibition from a cycle buddy gave me confidence arrived in Islington where it was to get out and ride on a hire bike. cookery school in Clerkenwell hosted by Resource for London in The thrill of getting into the outdoors Holloway Road for two months, was immense. Once we hit the road, the ocial enterprise “It feels like the next step for reach lots of local businesses also contribute to the project. thanks to a cross community part- challenging part of the cycling session came Migrateful – which the organisation to have our in the Clerkenwell area that “We’re more concerned about nership including CANDI (City and when a few specks of rain trickled down but supports refugees and own space, and it will become come and attend the cookery getting lots of people pledging Islington College), ROTA (Race on although from the north of the borough, asylum seekers by help- a reason for people to want to classes as team building activ- small amounts to show that we the Agenda), Ringcross Commu- I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the south Sing them become professional come to Clerkenwell.” says ities,” says Thompson. “And have the support. And then that nity Centre, the Lillesleaf Project/ Islington streets in Clerkenwell and Bunhill chefs and access employment Thompson. “It’s great that that also allows us to open up will inspire the Mayor to then Anti-Apartheid, Islington Museum, and the local amenities. What especially – is currently crowdfunding it’s next to Exmouth Market classes to residents in the local put in a much bigger pledge,” Islington Guides and London Met- caught my eye was the architecture and to put down roots and trans- and our chefs who are getting community that might struggle said Thompson. ropolitan University. the blue-grey winter skyline, local people form The Peel’s Three Corners more and more inspired by to afford to pay for a cooking The crowdfunding cam- We told local stories of ‘ordinary’ walking and chattering, the cuisine of Centre on Northampton Road their careers will be able to go class but want to come along.” paign is running until May Islington people whose actions Whitecross Street. Bob Marley on a visit to the Keskidee Centre in Islington EC1 into its main base. The to those local restaurants.” The charity’s campaign has and Migrateful is aiming for a have made change for social justice. I felt a real sense of community. There campaign aims to turn space Migrateful also runs team received donations from local June opening. was a pepper-pot mix of housing which at The Peel into a permanent building cookery classes with backers, Migrateful supporters Donate at www.spacehive. really speaks to the richness of diversity place to run its cookery classes, corporate organisations. “We and even the Duchess of Sus- com/migrateful-cookery-school- Clerkenwell local and mother Juliana Lottmann explains her within the local area. with renovation plans afoot to hope that we’ll be able to sex. The Mayor of London will a-long-term-home I found that after all the confinement, include 20 cooking stations for family project to connect and spread love in the neighbourhood I did not want the cycling experience training, followed by lessons to end. In reflection it had been a real for the public and larger events. feel that this crazy period of Project. The mission is simple: to dec- Then, there’s the process of hiding the To find guides, ideas, free workshops, ecowarrior experience. Observing the The Cookery School, says the past 18 or so months of orate stones with vibrant designs and painted rocks around the community, and to talk to other members of our architecture of the local area, from Jessica Thompson, Migrateful’s lockdowns, face masks, alcohol inspiring messages, and scatter them taking us out of the house, into fresh air, community, join our Facebook group. the bike, I enjoyed clean green hot founder, will be “a place that can gel and the 2m rule has taken a around our neighbourhood to lift the and then seeing the photos and posts For now, we are online only, but we spots and free clear roads which paved finally be a ‘home away from Ihuge toll on our communities. spirits of those who find them. of our art, uplifting yet more of us. The hope that we can take our workshops the way for my cycle buddy and I to home’ for all our migrant chefs”. When sneezing leads to hostile When the first lockdown came, with person finding a surprise gift will expe- back into the community, face to face. continue our morning exploration. Once trained, the students will looks instead of ‘bless you’, we all three active boys at home, we started rience a feeling of happiness, it’s a way Otherwise, you can just start painting The feeling of having a social cycling teach their traditional cuisines to know that something is missing and painting kindness stones. This wasn’t to connect with our community. stones, and keep an eye out for the experience gave me so much pleasure. paying customers through cook- I think that this ‘something’ is the only a calming and family bonding stones we leave in the nearby parks. Our We cycled to the highest point of ery classes – and use food as a explicit understanding that we’re activity, it was also a way to spread first face to face workshop, and Eas- south Islington whereby I felt a rush of powerful tool to connect people. all in this together. Belonging is a some joy to the community. Painting ter egg hunt, is on 10th of April, from endorphins as I had physically exhausted Since 2017, Migrateful has basic need and Covid is creating rocks can be a fabulous mindful activ- 11am at Fortune Street park. Booking is myself as we had reached the crossroads supported 57 chefs and deliv- a lot of distance between us. So, ity for all ages as expressing yourself essential, as we must keep the groups of the Santander bike station return. ered over 1,500 events in I stopped to think how we can we with a message, drawing or colouring, very small. Come and join us. I felt revitalised, liberated, refreshed, different venues across Lon- bring back our sense of commu- can bring calmness. When we engage and a real sense of achievement. don and Bristol. Cookery nity and kindness even in this long in creative activities, we flood our body For booking: Email [email protected] Valerie Bossman-Quarshie is the local classes are continuing online period of enforced distance. with stress-reducing hormones, and To join our community: Labour and Cooperative Party candidate throughout the pandemic. The result is Kindness Stones we activate the rest and relaxation. Facebook.com/groups/embracekindness for Bunhill Ward byelection on May 6 2021 9 EC1 ECHO Ellen Lesperance, NO.9 XOXOXOX, 2019 Credit Andy Keate April/May Underneath the arches 2021 Even locally, it’s little known that one of the country’s most acclaimed contemporary art galleries is in Clerkenwell A R T S & C

By Oliver Bennett U The Tenderness Only We Can See, Lubaina Himid, Hollybush Gardens, 2018 Credit Andy Keate he EC1 area is best known for world, mostly to public collections, including most of our visitors tend to be people with specialist them to be here, a mooted move With an ethos of collaboration, Hollybush pushes L having a proliferation of architects recently to the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, interest in the arts. We would welcome more to Mayfair was squashed: “Not our at older patterns of class and access in a constricted and designers – but not so much Poland and Tate itself. local footfall.” “The artists we style, somehow”. sphere. “Our work as gallerists is to change that,” says in the way of contemporary art Panting. “We mostly work with public galleries where galleries. So it’s something of a That’s an impressive record, so it’s curious to find Despite this sense of discretion, once inside the gal- represent show a So what sort of art does Hollybush collections have previously been conservative.” Now surprise to find an internationally that Hollybush Gardens has little street presence. lery the visitor finds a remarkable place, in an old show? “It is all contemporary,” Panting is pleased that numbers are slowly rising for T renowned gallery secreted beneath Tucked into an arch in an alley off Warner Street, archway. Panting says that when they moved in they says Panting. “Most importantly, women represented in galleries and museums, partic- the Rosebery Avenue viaduct. deep in the valley once occupied by the River Fleet, found lettering from the 12th century as well as a big strong interest in we have about 65 per cent female ularly as art by women has historically tended to cost it’s the sort of place you’d have to know about in crane in the ceiling. “It’s fantastic to see the beauty representation and we’re intersec- less than art by men. That gallery is Hollybush Gardens, which has had two order to visit. Although by-appointment right now in of the London brick and 19th century engineering,” social issues” tional. The artists we represent TTurner Prize winners: one of whom, Lubaina Himid order to comply with social distancing guidelines it says Panting. “We do events and a lot of site-specific tend to show a strong interest in “We’re also very keen that artists should be part of the U – now one of the UK’s foremost artists – is having a is normally open to the public Wednesday through work here in the gallery space. It works well for us.” social issues. For example, Char- public conversation,” she says. “In doing so, we can big retrospective at Tate Modern in November this Saturday with no appointment necessary. lotte [Prodger] works on queerness change access to public collections in all kinds of ways.” year: a Himid painting from 2016, Le Rodeur, named The gallery moved to Clerkenwell from Hollybush in social space.” after the 1819 journey of a French slave ship, hangs “While we’re tucked inside Warner Yard, we wel- Gardens in Bethnal Green (hence the name) in 2013, Upcoming exhibitions at Hollybush Gardens, Covid permitting, are: in Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport come anyone to come in and have a look at the as it needed more space. It now meets their needs From the outset, Hollybush has also worked with • Claire Hooper, 16 April–1 May R Oliver Dowden’s office. Another, Charlotte Prodger, exhibitions,” says Hollybush Gardens’ co-founder, and they love the area. “We can walk anywhere from older artists – including Lubaina Himid, Charlotte • Jumana Manna, exhibition reopens 16 April, and on view until 1 May • Ellen Lesperance, 7 May–5 June won the Turner in 2018, and yet another Hollybush Lisa Panting (the other founder is Malin Ståhl). here,” says Panting. “Bloomsbury’s a short walk Johannesson, Joachim Schmid and Claudette Johnson • Reto Pulfer, 7 May–5 June artist, Andrea Büttner, was nominated for the art “We regularly welcome groups, especially stu- and it’s easy to get to Notting Hill and Kensington – an “intergenerational” approach that subsequently Hollybush Gardens, 1–2 Warner Yard, Farringdon EC1R 5EY world’s top prize in 2017. The gallery sells across the dent groups, and aside from that, the majority where some of our clients live.” Because it suits became fashionable. hollybushgardens.co.uk E 11 EC1 ECHO Grey Building NO.9

April/May 19 Artists vs Covid-19 2021

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Alvaro Lopez Nina Jua Klein Instagram @alvarus85/@19artistsversuscovid19 ninajuaklein.com The initiative making staying indoors more bearable – and helping the NHS T

“As the mission is to increase the money By Elena Vardon raised for the NHS, we thought it was a nice way of giving some artistic perspec- S talian paper manufacturer Fed- tive to something that we need to use rigoni, whose London studio is daily to protect ourselves,” says Lopez. located on Clerkenwell Road, “Showing support through art and design has collaborated with 19 artists to is a very powerful mode of transmitting create a series of limited-edition an important message to society.” Iposters to fundraise for the NHS. The artists were briefed to create an A1 & First devised by London-based Span- poster design around the universal Stay ish graphic designer Alvaro López last Home directive. Only 75 copies of each spring, the project was relaunched as poster were printed by PUSH in Bermond- the country entered its third lockdown sey. The first edition will be auctioned at earlier this year. Each order now includes a later date. Around £22,000 have been a free pack of face-masks made from raised for NHS Charities Together, with Fedrigoni’s high filtration recyclable more than 1,200 posters sold so far. C paper, featuring five of the designs. The remaining posters are available “Some designs were slightly modified to for purchase for £19 on 19vs19.co.uk. An say Stay Safe from Stay Home, as of course exhibition to showcase the designs will most people would wear these outside,” take place at Fedrigoni’s studio when Noma Bar said Ambra Fridegotto from Fedrigoni. restrictions are lifted. U dutchuncle.co.uk/noma-bar Storming the citadel aware that places that I had not some not yet occupied, now that so By Paul Lincoln known were connected by the few people are working in the City? route of the wall. A city without The Wall has survived the plague, the Blitz and is likely to survive L he London Wall has traffic became a great place to link shaped London for Covid-19. But what will happen to 1,800 years. Built by the “The Wall has the City around it? Romans, covered up for This project is inspired by the history ages then uncovered survived the and the architecture of the City of T by the devastation of the Blitz, its London and reflect the way in which T the City needs to respond to the impact on the City and on London is plague, the Blitz immense but rarely noticed. Which pandemic and to climate emergency. brings us to London Walled City: and is likely to It will do so through a series of guided a printmaking and walking project survive Covid-19” walks and prints to be completed over U supported by Culture Mile. It looks the next six months. at the history of the wall, its changing Roman and medieval history with Paul Lincoln is a printmaker, City guide appearance, its impact on its contemporary architecture. and the editor of Landscape Journal. He neighbourhood and the relationship With the walk came questions. will be leading socially distanced walking with neighbouring buildings. What is it doing here? What is it tours for Open House London Tours. The R During lockdown I started most connecting? How has it survived? first is on Saturday 24 April. Booking is days by walking the length of What is it keeping in, and who is open at open-city.org.uk/events/london-wall the wall. Initially it was a way to it keeping out? And what is the The first stage of the printmaking project keep fit but increasingly I became purpose of the huge new buildings, can be viewed at: londonwalledcity.com. Morag Myerscough Rob Lowe E moragmyerscough.com supermundane.com EC1 ECHO NO.9 February/March 2021

Exmouth Market 1967, one of the locations used in the film ‘Alfie’ CULTURE 12 13 Continued from Page-1

About a Boy (2002) photography puts a coloured gel on a light to make Location(s): it a bit warmer, or simply uses its own lighting. • Charterhouse Street “There’s not really anything that we can’t cover • St James Church, Clerkenwell Close in order to facilitate a period feel,” says Tim. • Hayward’s Place In Clerkenwell, there’s been big budget shoots • St James’ Walk like Suffragette in Middleton Square, a major TV • Sekforde Street show called Anatomy of a Scandal recently filmed • Woodbridge Chapel, Woodbridge Street at the House of Detention and at the Fox and Anchor pub, and a drama called Last Letter from Directed by Chris and Paul Weitz, adapted from a Your Lover in Wilmington Square, which stars novel by Nick Hornby, and starring Hugh Grant, Felicity Jones set in the early 1960s. Clerkenwell is the setting for much of About A Boy. But it’s not all about Georgian terraces. “We’ve Grant would have been familiar with the area, as it had three major shoots at Bevin Court and was one of the locations for his Four Weddings and Hatton Garden,” says Tim. There’s also a big a Funeral eight years earlier. call for TV dramas, fashion shoots, music videos The hi-tech apartment of Grant’s character Will Free- and other shows in the area, including Ant and man is located at 16-18 St James Walk. However, you Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – anything and now won’t find the conspicuous entrance to his flat. This everything that demands a good location. “It’s was added to the address just for cinematic purposes. remarkable how attractive Clerkenwell is to film- Other EC1 locations appearing in About a Boy include makers and TV producers,” says Tim. the French deli Comptoir Gascon at 63 Charterhouse Much of the location manager’s art is in Street, and the Parish Church of St James in Clerkenwell diplomacy. “We make sure we’re not overusing Close where Will almost volunteers to help at the drop-in certain locations,” says Tim. “And we’re also centre. However, at nearby Woodbridge Chapel (now an very heavily involved in resident engagement, evangelical church), at the corner of Woodbridge Street whether that’s dropping letters or doing Zoom and Haywards Place, he attends SPATs (‘Single Parents Dance With a Stranger (1985) End of the Affair (1999) meetings.” Parking is one of the biggest issues, Alone Together’) in order to meet single mothers. which is why Northampton Road is popular, Location(s): • The Parish Church of St as it’s not very residential and offers plentiful • Three Kings public house, Clerkenwell Close Bartholomew the Great, Cloth Fair parking opportunities as well as local “green • St James Church, Clerkenwell Close • 63-65 Myddelton Square rooms” at The Peel and Bourne and Holling- • St Mark’s Church, Myddelton Square Miranda Richardson plays fated Ruth Ellis in this sworth for costume and makeup. A BBC3 TV Mike Newell-directed biopic about Ellis who in 1955 In Neil Jordan’s drama, private detective Mr Parkis show called Starstruck was recently completed became the last woman to be executed in Britain. The (Ian Hart) spies on the devout Sarah Miles (Julianne in the area, for airing this year. Lights, camera and action original shooting took place outside Magdala Tavern in Moore) in St Bartholomew the Great, while she Hampstead, but the Three Kings pub in Clerkenwell remonstrates with God. Further north is the home Close stood in for the Magdala and, with comparable of Sarah’s religious confidant Father Smythe (Jason “Clerkenwell EC1 goes to the movies exterior beige tilework, there is a resemblance. Isaacs) at 63-65 Myddelton Square, and across the Across from the Three Kings are the railing of St square, is the priest’s church St Mark’s, where Sarah lends itself well to James’s Church where, with pistol in hand, Ellis waits for finds the investigator’s boy asleep in the doorway. By Mark Aston V for Vendetta (2005) her boyfriend David Blakely, played by Rupert Everett. period dramas” Location(s): Sherlock Holmes (2009) ondon provides one of the world’s Money exchanges hands, of course. “The • Cloth Fair Location(s): majority of location fees go to the local Council most memorable movie backdrops, but • Cowcross Street Batman Trilogy (2005–2015) • The Parish Church of St – usually to specific departments,” says Tim. did you know that several of the film • Rawstorne Street “So if, for example, we’re filming in a park • Farmiloe Building, 28-36 St John Street Bartholomew the Great, Cloth Fair industry’s top-rated films were shot in In this popular dystopian-political actioner, Cloth Fair • Former Middlesex House of Detention, Sans Walk the income is distributed for park improve- is where the film’s joint-protagonist Evey (Natalie Port- The first-floor offices of the (George) Farmiloe Build- ments: perhaps maintaining a pavement or Lthe capital’s EC1 district? Covering Clerkenwell The interior of the Parish Church of St Bartholomew man) is challenged by the Fingermen after breaking ing at 28-36 St John Street, an 1850s lead and win- new signage or security.” And if they’re fea- and a north-westerly part of the City, the area the Great can be seen in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock curfew; the location is adjacent to the Parish Church of dow-glass manufactory, were transformed not once turing somebody’s house, there might even Holmes acting as a surrogate for St Paul’s Cathe- offers a huge range of authentic, period locations, St Bartholomew the Great, a site of many recent film set- but three times into ‘Gotham City Police Station’ be the good fortune of a financial transaction dral, while the subterranean prison of the former as well as wonderful settings for action, comedy, tings. A short distance away is Farringdon Underground for Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) between the filmmakers and that resident, or Middlesex House of Detention cells become the Station in Cowcross Street, outside which a young and The Dark Knight Returns (2015). The trilogy’s potentially to a Residents’ Association or com- drama, fantasy and science fiction films. Houses of Parliament’s sewerage system. Here, Evey (in flashback) hands out anti-viral weapons leaflets. director Christopher Nolan is clearly enamoured with munity group. The company has a training and Holmes (Robert Downey Jnr) and Watson (Jude The Batman Trilogy (2005–2012), Bond’s Skyfall Rawstorne Street, off St John Street, is shown when the the location, returning to film 2010 science-fiction development manager who works to source action blockbuster Inception here. Here, he locates the Law) diffuse a biological weapon. talent from local communities to often get that (2012), Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Suffragette (2015) music from Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture is played. ‘Mombasa’ pharmacy, where the potent dream-state first step on film and TV sets. are just a few of many examples that have starred narcotic is sourced. In New York people seem to be very excited EC1’s buildings and streets. Holloway Prison, The Farmiloe also appears in David Cronenberg’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011) about on-street filming – is that the same in Gotham City Police Station, Nottingham Cathedral gangster filmEastern Promises (2007), in which the Location(s): London? “On the whole people are supportive, building’s exterior becomes the ‘Trans-Siberian as long as they’re not impacted too much,” says and even the family residence of Harry Potter’s • Farmiloe Building, 28-36 St John Street Restaurant’. Other films featuring the Farmiloe include: Tim. “And residents usually like seeing their • 18 Lloyd Square Sirius Black and the headquarters of the ‘Order Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011), marking a return to local area on the big screen. You just have to of the Phoenix’ have all been re-imagined here. the location for actor Gary Oldman, replacing his Bat- EC1 is a second home to Oscar-winning actor Gary Old- give people as much information in advance as man character James Gordon with British spy-master man. Not only playing Batman’s ally James Gordon and possible, and give them an opportunity to speak We take a look at some of the recent George Smiley, the Krays’ biopic Legend (2015) and the Harry Potter character Sirius Black in scenes shot in directly with production so they can relay any blockbusters and classics filmed in and around Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible-Rogue Nation (2015). Clerkenwell, he also features as George Smiley who lives concerns that come up, whether it’s an elderly In 2006, after the making of Batman Begins, film and at 18 Lloyd Square in Tomas Alfredson’s film adaption of person who’s reliant on meals being delivered one of London’s most cinematic ‘movie lots’. media agency Film London listed the Farmiloe Build- John Le Carre’s classic novel. The Farmiloe building in St to them, or a disabled parking space.” There are ing as the sixth most popular film and TV location in John Street, in which it stars as the down-at-heel Hotel Islay ways of ensuring that the show goes on. Lights, camera and action… London; then, the London Eye topped the list. where Smiley and colleagues attempt to expose a traitor. filmfixer.co.uk EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 HISTORY 14 15 HISTORY

River whose waters flooded an underground bomb shelter and drowned a hundred Gently up school children. Then we pop over Goswell A half century Road to enter the long tree-lined park at the centre of Colebrooke Row. This is one of the most satisfying sections, overlooked of heritage the stream by handsome 18th-century terraces which in their heyday would have reflected the As The Amwell Society moves towards its 50th waters of the New River and whose names, Duncan Terrace, and Vincent Terrace (like anniversary, it’s reaching out to new members In the first of two Exmouth Market) made use of popular naval heroes in an attempt to shift real-estate. BY PEADAR SOINOID hotel firm, IBIS, aimed to build yet another instalments, Barnaby Halfway along Colebrooke Row, the New mammoth budget hotel on the site. River would have flowed over Regents n 1972, when the Amwell Society came Rogerson walks up the Canal, which here dives underground into into being, London was still in the grip • Across 30 years, we fought for the historical the Islington tunnel. Look out for Lambs of slum clearance. More Victorian site at the New River Head to be preserved. Cottage (64 Duncan Terrace) home of that houses were swept away in the 1960s A gated private development was proposed watercourse that created young London poet from 1823 who sheltered Iand 70s than had been destroyed by bombs but now the House of Illustration will be his sister (after she had killed their mother in World War II. They were thought of as the resident charity on the site and in the modern Clerkenwell – with a knife) and who made a small name for damp and insanitary. It’s true that many fullness of time, the Engine House, adjacent himself with Lambs Tales from Shakespeare. houses in Finsbury – even in the 1970s – had to the New River Head Gardens will be Walk right to the end of Colebrooke Row no bathrooms and only a basic WC, often opened to the public as a new museum and the New River and join the pavement of Essex Road. Even in the yard. Nevertheless, some visionary cultural facility. in its heyday the New River went under- people saw the ground for this busy London street. beauty of the The Society is ne of the features of Covid life is the importance of We find the pathway again just after the houses built currently help- walks. Whether we bump into our friends by accident Cross Street (Get Stuffed) crossing. Turn left by the New ing to resist the or have made an advance weekend plan, a walk date is (up the steps) immediately after the Library River Company unsuitable rede- high social currency. Clerkenwell can boast the best building, to join the little park that has been and the Lloyd velopment at Oselection of pubs, restaurants and cafes of any parish in England created in the middle of Halton road, labelled Baker family the Children’s but we are not so well provided with long distance footpaths. Astey’s Row rock garden. The Victorians between 1820 Society building Or so I thought. Step forward the New River. covered up the river and a rockery was added and 1830, which at the lower end The New River begins at a pair of springs in Hertfordshire in the 1950s, so this has walk been used for made these two of Margery Street (Chadwell and Amwell) and runs downhill all the way into the many years, but still feels like a personal speculations the and we are keep- heart of London. The New River is famously neither ‘new’ discovery when you first find the iron gate. earliest subur- ing an eye on the or indeed a ‘river’ but an old aqueduct built in the reign of The New River was always a early morning midweek, is prime Start at a war memorial in Spa Here we find our first water: not a real flow, but a welcome ban develop- future of Clerken- Good King James. The first sods were cut in 1609 and the river very flexible thing. Corners were time, when I have encountered Fields Green. This coincidentally enough urban pond. Thronged in the weekend, it is a happy, ments in, what well Parochial was opened in the reign in 1613. Sparkling fresh spring water cut, sections were piped and a sunbathing fox alongside reg- stands near the end of the old New secretive stroll in midweek, broken by crossing over Canon- was then, outer School which flowed into a great reservoir that stood in Clerkenwell, tapped route maps marked up with the ular meetings with geese, swans, River, which in its heyday poured bury Road. There is another very handsome terrace of old London. is quite likely to to provide the City of London with clean water. Subscribers variable historical courses, just as coots and moorhens. For those itself into a round pond, which once London houses along Canonbury grove after Northampton The initial close for good received their water through elm-wood trunks (which last well we found out that they need to be of us who live in Clerkenwell the stood the other (northside) of Rose- Street. The New River path continues as a little sliver of green ambition of the this summer. We when sodden) which had been cored to make pipes. colour coded: New River path bery Avenue, now remembered by before emerging at St Pauls Road. We cross over the tarmac, Amwell Society are keen that the The New River followed no seasonal stream, but was designed “accessible for can provide you that small fountain in a round pond. heading north, along Wallace road, passing some tempting in 1972, was to building, built in by a pair of surveyor-engineers (Edmund Coulthurst, later walkers”, “vis- "Various planners with a bus and The New River flowed down cafes near the roundabout after Canonbury railway station. work with the the mid 19th cen- assisted by Edward Wright), and has been constantly amended ible but totally have tried to tease tube free walk the centre of Rosebery Avenue, The route of the New River then seems temporarily lost, but London Bor- tury, continues to over the last 300 years. Hugh Myddleton, a City goldsmith, got inaccessible” that takes you giving a lovely watery southern a wide pathway, shaded by old trees is where it once wandered, ough of Islington house an educa- involved to sort out the finance which was only finally put in and completely the New River into a to two of the frontier to Sadler’s Wells theatre. bang in the centre of the wide Petherton Road. This frames a [LBI] through "We are keeping an eye on tional organisa- order by encouraging King James to come on board. invisible. Var- greatest green We have to imagine this as we cut long and pleasant potter, that leads almost due north to join the creation of tion which has ious London single 28-mile path” spaces in north- across St Johns Road, then pass the corner of Clissold Park. This easy, virtually traffic-free route one of Isling- Clerkenwell Parochial School benefit to our boroughs and east London. through Owens Fields - that little from Clerkenwell to the heart of Hackney, makes the New ton’s first con- community. planners have worked over the Most of the route and web maps oval park that can sometimes feel River path a winner. Clissold Park also frames by far the most servation areas. which is likely to close for good” Recently we last 20 years to tease the different start at the beginning in Hert- overshadowed. It may be haunted picturesque extent of the New River, bending beneath Clissold The New River have led a con- sections of the New River into a fordshire so I have mapped out by an incident of the Blitz when House, a splendid Regency mansion made from mellow yellow Conservation Area is still the principal means sultation on the impact of the LBI’s Low 28-mile path, a single long urban a Clerkenwell variant. the bombing blew apart the New London brick which is now furnished with cafes. by which the Georgian townscape is protected. Traffic Neighbourhood scheme with the aim lung. It is a lovely ambition but it This is the perfect end destination for this first section of the The vast majority of houses in our area are now of ensuring the best outcome for residents has not yet been achieved, and the New River walk, surrounded by places to picnic, a deer-com- Grade II Listed, meaning that they are shielded of our area. The response rate to our online New River Pathway (even when pound and a backdrop of church spires. by planning laws. Even now, any proposed survey was impressive with almost 40 per cent completed) may ever join iconic The first time we tried to follow this walk, we were exhausted changes have to be approved by LBI. of members giving us their opinions. British walks such as Hadrian’s by exploring too many side streets and took a bus back from The Amwell Society has almost 200 fam- Recent events have highlighted the need and Wall or the Ridgeway. It is simply Green Lane. The second time we walked it we had enough ilies as members. The Society is sociable, value of local communities and organisations not pretty or romantic enough. energy to walk home via Newington Green. The third time active and committed to every nook and to work together as never before. Oh, 2022 is The New River way will never we walked it, we had time to buy a picnic and eat it in the cranny of the area. We hold occasional events our 50th anniversary year. Keep an eye out for have any appeal to a foreign tour- overgrown Abney Park cemetery. both social and educational and take part special initiatives and celebrations. ist. Like any section of our great This is easily the most charming and fascinating section of in community life as good neighbours. In The Amwell Society is always looking metropolis, you are as likely to the New River pathway. Further north is not so decorative recent years we have had major success in for new members and committee activists find mud, dog mess, submerged and has a different mood. the context of preservation. to enable us to best represent the inter- traffic cones and graffiti. But I have To be continued. ests of our community. We are cheap! found it strangely addictive and • We prevented the demolition of the old Membership is £15.00 for three years. satisfying, and have now walked Barnaby Rogerson helps to run Eland Books, an independent St Philip Magnus school building, now the So join us through [email protected] or Charles Lamb’s cottage in Islington The River passes Canonbury Grove publisher of the liveliest travel writing based in Exmouth it half a dozen times. As ever, Market, www.travelbooks.co.uk Courtauld Institute, on Penton Rise. The www.amwell.org.uk EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 HISTORY 16 CULTURE MILE 17

Shy One performing at funny but well-respected doormen and full of models which was great fun and the Royal Albert Hall as in the creative industries. You can one woman – Big Hazel. highly memorable and his guests were a part of fabric’s London find the full programme of events on The printing company in the adjacent part of motley group ranging from the head of Creativity Around Unlocked © Fabric the Culture Mile website where you the Tardis departed and we quickly acquired MI6 to the Pope’s lawyer. Jim Henson of can register for the free events. their building. It was part of the spirit of the The Muppets, John Torode from Masterchef. time, and 200 yards away was John Newman’s The Guardian & Observer newspapers all London Unlocked famous club Turnmills (see EC1 Echo, Oct-Nov held Xmas parties there. Every Corner London Unlocked is a new live 2020). John was one very interesting character Time moved on and Clerkenwell became performance streaming series from with an amazing eye for detail in his eclectically the home of the Dotcom boom. It was also fabric, in partnership with Arts designed club. We became good friends. full of YBAs or Young British Artists, and Council England and supported by The residents of the Tardis were elec- we held Chris Ofili’s post Turner Prize Culture Mile. Every Sunday for tic, too. Incorporated within the Tardis party here, with him winning the next day. seven weeks, there will be a new live umbrella was The Smithfield Trust, the We were then inundated with YBAs want- stream unlocking some of London’s Historic Clerkenwell Association, The ing to hold their own parties here as we most iconic cultural spaces and Clerkenwell Artists Association, and The were considered a ‘lucky’ venue. Banksy’s raising funds for the Music Venue Miscarriages of Justice Organisation. We statue, the Scales of Injustice, was unveiled Trust to support struggling arts sponsored various charitable enterprises on Clerkenwell Green then relocated to venues around the country. here and abroad covering Bosnia, sup- the top of our building for two months until Pairing the city’s most adored plying blood testing & vaccination kits water started leaking down into my office. arts venues, galleries and historical to Tanzania and funding The Sunshine I stopped doing parties because I landmarks with some incredible Children’s Orphanage in Egypt. One of became concerned for my many guests’ talent, the series features scene our many money-raising events was the safety and then concentrated on PR stalwarts, club regulars and fast- Tank Girl film launch party held at the companies involved in new products, rising newcomers including Kode9, Roundhouse Camden. About 3,000 people ranging from trainers, mobile phones, Fabio and Grooverider, Djrum, attended and it cost our sponsors £45,000, cat food and the highly successful ‘Flat Midland, Shanti Celeste, Saoirse and which also included 12,000 bottles of beer Eric’ campaign for Levi’s jeans. The jeans more. The artists will be performing and 2000 bottles of Smirnoff Black vodka. were accidentally thrown in the rubbish in iconic institutions including Financially it was not a success. bin and Levi’s had to fly in a new pair at Royal Albert Hall, the V&A, English The reception for writer Andy McNab at The Tardis in Clerkenwell The Clerkenwell Literary Festival was a cost of $3,000. National Opera at the London based within our building and held over five Coliseum, Round Chapel, Smithfield years, extended with events all over Clerken- Market, Tower Bridge and more. well’s various venues. I managed to entice “Bowie paid £6,000 To catch-up on the streams you’ve Andy McNab, David Bowie and Irvine for six months use of missed, check out fabriclondon.com. Time travel Welsh to become our patrons – indeed, Bowie paid £6,000 for six months usage our street window” Culture & Commerce: EC1 resident George Feltham-Parish of our street window with a piece entitled, Fuelling Creative Renewal ‘Window Pain Project at The Tardis’, when There came pressure from our landlord Last month, the Culture & Commerce talks about the thrills and spills at his he hosted Bowieart. We estimated that about to vacate and they increased our annual Taskforce launched Fuelling Creative 20,000 people passed the window daily. rent to 400 per cent. By then I was then Renewal, a new report that sets out vibrant 1990s arts space by Farringdon The writer and ex-SAS hero Andy McNab paying £12,000 per annum and the con- a blueprint for a deeper relationship station – nicknamed the Tardis held his wedding reception in the Tardis. tinual upkeep of the building was a con- ulture Mile is the City of spotting. These are just a few of the exchange for freelancers working between the creative and business With several rooms and 17 arches, I was stant drain on finances. Meanwhile, the London’s cultural district, Play Prompts that you’ll uncover. Can in the creative and cultural industries sectors to accelerate London’s able to let space cheaply to start-up com- regeneration of Clerkenwell had led to stretching from Farringdon you find all 16 of them? If you find one, to develop their skills, creative recovery from the pandemic. n 1994 I found a derelict building in Turnmill Street panies, interesting individuals and artists. the area becoming trendy and fashionable. to Moorgate. Led by the make sure to tag @CultureMileLDN in practice, and wellbeing in our In order to celebrate the value, while working for The Serious Road Trip – an NGO Clerkenwell Films with John Hannah was London Transport upped my rent again CCity of London Corporation, with the your photos. current situation. Covid-19 has resilience and vibrancy of the creative supplying aid into the former Yugoslavia. My colleague an early client – still in Clerkenwell, and and backdated it for five years, forcing me Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & brought change, uncertainty and industries, as well as supporting Howard Jones and myself needed an HQ to start Inter- whose latest film is the highly success- into court. I gave in gracefully. Drama, London Symphony Orchestra Creative Freelancers Exchange new ways of working for all sectors those artists who work within them, national Humanitarian Aid Concern while working in ful The Dig. One office was rented to six Turnmill Street and The Tardis is now and the Museum of London, its Culture Mile is hosting a series of and this series recognises the the Culture & Commerce Taskforce Bosnia supplying information technology to those in talented journalists who now work for Farringdon’s European Gateway. Such five core partners work together on online workshops and spaces of significant impact on freelancers commissioned eight new artworks need. Our landlords London Transport kindly charged the UK national press. Malkovich once is life. But since the Covid-19 virus and creating a vibrant, creative area in the which have been threaded throughout us a ‘peppercorn rent’ of £1.00 per annum for 14,000 rented the Tardis for a week filming his its repercussions I can see many more north-west corner of the Square Mile. the Culture & Commerce: Fuelling sq ft space on the west side of Turnmill Street. 2002 film,Hideous Man. On Andy McNab’s buildings remaining empty, just awaiting Creative Renewal report. The artworks Howard, who we called ‘the Dark Lord’, wanted to call wedding night it was full. The place was someone’s entrepreneurial endeavours… Play Packs on the streets and artists have responded to some it the labyrinth, but I pointed out there was already a Culture Mile’s Play Packs have of the themes contained within the club of that name over in Hackney, so I chose the name proved to be incredibly popular. report which can be found on the the Tardis as, like the famous police box in Dr Who, it Over 12,000 packs full of imaginative Culture Mile website along with a looked small on the outside but was big on the inside. Play Prompts and activities to help gallery of the final artworks. The building had originally been a parcels depot, a families get creative at home have pornographic film studio, and also where the Strobe been delivered to foodbanks and Light had been invented by one David Cecil. Once community centres. To celebrate in, we needed high profile friends to fund our various this, Culture Mile began taking charitable exploits. These came in all shapes and forms, from disorganised their Play Prompts to the streets 500-strong raves to organised parties, book launches, record launches and PR from Monday 22nd March. think-tanks. As the Tardis was partly below ground and adjacent to Farringdon Look out for the colourful posters station nobody ever heard our noisy parties. Every major DJ played there and across the city and brighten up your we never once paid them. They should be have been so lucky… journey with some fun activities. SPONSORED CONTENT IWe were raided once, by the Transport Police only for them to find 50 ladies Pose like a famous London building. listening to Tom Jones all dressed in very low cut gowns, launching a magazine Challenge your friend to a game of To find out more about the above events and to explore what’s happening in and around Culture called The Passion by Siobhan Fahey of Bananarama fame. I never allowed a queue opposites. Create your own secret Turner Prize nominated artist Catherine Yass was commissioned to create an individual work responding to the Mile, simply visit www.culturemile.london or to form in the street as our door was skilfully managed by our team of hilariously code of communication. Go cloud theme of ‘New Skills’ for the new report by the Culture & Commerce Taskforce © Catherine Yass/Culture Mile follow @CultureMileLDN on social media. EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 NO.9 EC1 ECHO FEATURE 18 The EC1 Echo is hugely grateful to its members. Here, we caught up with some of them – and asked them why they like reading about our area Support local ME A n P Vera atel ela Popoveni M Diana Alsobrook Mir uc Katrina Fialko I became a member because I loved the Being a member of EC1 Echo is my way to O sense of community a local newspaper reconnect with our community and support brought to the area. This is something I grassroots journalism. I personally prefer to C E

was missing in the busy and crowded days read local news on paper and this newspaper before the pandemic, especially as a trans- covers the area I’m particularly interested in. M

plant to British culture. EC1 Echo has also The best thing is seeing the places that you independent E

been a lovely resource for tidbits about local know well in this newspaper, but equally it’s B

history, and each issue has taught me some- nice to discover something completely new. EC1 B

thing new in addition to my own research The past year brought challenges to all of us,

into Clerkenwell. This area gives me joy and but if you can afford a monthly membership E inspiration on a daily basis, and I am happy fee starting from £5 then you should join R to support anything that celebrates it and us here in shaping future of Clerkenwell makes it an even more fantastic place to live. together and making it a better place to be.

k Credit St lko Credit A journalism o e ia n ro ph F i E ob en na p ls A ri st A l t e Veran Patel a so Mirela Popoveniuc a in n b K a r I discovered EC1 Echo as I am a Trustee i o From the first months living in Clerkenwell, D o of the Peel, which supports this pub- k I knew I’ll spend more time in this area lication. Residents and businesses, because of its prettiness sprinkled with news, arts, and culture are brought to history, gardens, shops, cafes and pubs. life through the high quality of story- So, what better way to start becoming telling. Above all, the pieces on history a local than become aware of the com- What we do Individual rewards and culture always make me glad to munity? That’s how I found out about live in proximity to an area with such EC1 Echo. Here at EC1 Echo we do things differently. We a rich past. As we emerge from this Through their work, I discover what’s combine professional journalism with voluntary £3 per month upwards: pandemic which has hit businesses happening in the neighbourhood and I’m so hard, where possible we must sup- glad to follow an initiative that encour- contributions from people who live and work in Name in print and online, pin badge port them so that we have a vibrant ages the local people and their projects the area and create content which is responsive Clerkenwell for the future. and businesses. to and reflective of the community. £5 per month upwards: Advertisement Name in print and online, pin badge, tote These are challenging times for print media bag, paper posted to you every month ADVERTISE WITH US with many newspapers closing and advertising 100 100 revenue in decline, but our not-for-profit 90 Our newspapers are a growing and 90 80 80 model offers a new approach to creating local 70 valued part of the local community 70 journalism which is inclusive and accountable. Organisational rewards 60 – loved by readers who want to read 60 50 50 40 about what matters to them. Be part of 40 £10 per month: 30 that and advertise with us! 30 How you can help 20 20 Name in print and online, 10 Our publications Waltham Forest Echo, 10 As a not-for-profit publication, started by The 10% discount on advertising The Amwell Society Peel, a longstanding Clerkenwell charity, we Enfield Dispatch, Tottenham Community £20 per month: Press and EC1 Echo cover a wide area of rely on the generous support of our community. Preserving local heritage and building community Name and logo in print and online, North-East London and part of The City. We look to our readers, who recognise the value Amwell Street lies at the heart of our rich historic • Join the conversation on of independent journalism, to help support us. 20% discount on advertising 10 area and is bounded by Pentonville Road, 10 We distribute 40,000 free copies development and conservation 20 Penton Rise, Kings Cross Road, Farringdon Road, 20 You can do this by becoming a member either to readers via local newsstands, 30 Rosebery Avenue and St John Street. • Learn about the history £50 per month: 30 40 of this exceptional area as an individual or as an organisation. See the Name and logo in print and online, 40% 40 community venues, and door-to-door, 50 Recent events have highlighted the need and • Meet friendly neighbours 50 value of local communities and organisations rewards opposite and once you’ve decided what discount, six free small adverts per year with a total estimated readership of 60 60 working together. The Amwell Society is always • Social gatherings and talks 70 package you would like, visit EC1Echo.co.uk/join 120,000 people. looking for new members and committee 70 80

80 activists to enable us to best represent the 90 interests of our community. Join us – £15 for three years 90 100 We would like to say thank you to our members: Call Klaudia 07732 000 430 !1 100 Email [email protected] !1 David Wilcox, Daniel Winn, Laurence Colchester, Diana Alsobrook, Sarah Falconer, David Chapman, Tania Cohen, Brian Jones, Veran Patel, Katrina Fialko, Mirela Popoveniuc, Sarah Wood, Stephanie Pietraszkiewicz, Juliana Lottmann, Daron Pike.

Spring 2018 Spring 2018 The first Amwell Society window-box The Amwell Society AGM competition Tuesday 15 May at Clerkenwell We’re hoping to fill the Amwell area with even more Parochial School flowers than usual this year so we’re announcing the We are pleased to announce the AGM will take first Amwell Society window box competition. It is open place at Clerkenwell Parochial School again. The first Amwellto all residents living Society within the Amwell Triangle.window-box The school was founded in 1700The and has Amwell Society AGM Flowers, herbs and fruits and even vegetables can all recently become an academy. The school’s head competitionbe grown in window boxes and we hope that you will be is now Amanda Szewczyc-Radley. inspired to create something colourful, scented, Tuesday 15 May at Clerkenwell sculptural and even edible After the business of the We’re hoping to fill the Amwell area with evenAGM more the AGM Talk will be Parochial School given by Alec Forshaw. flowers than usual this year so we’re announcingAlec worked the in local We are pleased to announce the AGM will take government from 1972 first Amwell Society window box competition.until It 2007is open most notably in place at Clerkenwell Parochial School again. Islington where he was a to all residents living within the Amwell Triangle.constant supporter of the The school was founded in 1700 and has Flowers, herbs and fruits and even vegetablesAmwell can Society all and our objectives. Alec is the recently become an academy. The school’s head be grown in window boxes and we hope that authoryou of will numerous be books, including Brussels is now Amanda Szewczyc-Radley. inspired to create something colourful, scented,Art Nouveau , The Markets of London, 1970s London sculptural and even edible and New City: ContemporaryAfter Architecture the in thebusiness of the City of London. Alec’s AGM talk will mirror his book Smithfield Past and PresentAGM and willthe AGM Talk will be highlight the exciting forthcoming plans for Smithfield which will materialisegiven in the comingby Alec Forshaw. A pretty spring window-box seen in Great Percy years following the opening of Crossrail. The Street school hall will be open fromAlec 6.30pm. worked The in local The window boxes will be judged before the Amwell meeting will begin at 7.00 and the talk will Summer Fệte. The judges are committee members commence at about 7.45. government from 1972 Joanna Ward, Sally Hull and Camilla Jenssen. They will until 2007 most notably in be looking out for window boxes of note and Amwell Summer Fete encouraging those who have not entered the competition to do so. If you see an especially lovely or clever Islington where he was a We’re planning an extra special Summer Fete in window-box display by a neighbour or friend, let the Amwell Street this year on Sundayconstant 1 July. If supporter of the judges know. Enter or nominate by sending your name you have an idea for a stall, a competition, for and address to Joanna at [email protected] acoustic music [accordion, folkAmwell violin, banjo Society or and our Winners will be announced at the Summer Fête on 1 singing] let us know. We want to concentrate on July with The wonderful prizes are to be donated by local and neighbourly contributionsobjectives. so no Alec is the local businesses around Amwell Street. You can see commercial stalls please. The ever popular Dog more details on our website. Show will take place. What aboutauthor the cats? of numerous books, including Brussels

The Amwell Society campaigns to protect and promote our area, its architectural heritage and to encourageArt Nouveaua sense of , The Markets community. The Society serves Pentonville Road, Penton Rise, King's Cross Road, Farringdon Road, Rosebery Avenue and St. John Street and all the streets within the area. For information about becoming a member, e-mail [email protected] Chairman – Paul Thornton. Secretary – Joanna Ward. Treasurer - Peter Kornicki. Newsletter editorof – David London Sulkin. , 1970s London The Amwell Society is a constituted group with annual accounts. The Society is a member of theand London ForumNew City: Contemporary Architecture in the City of London. Alec’s AGM talk will mirror his book Smithfield Past and Present and will highlight the exciting forthcoming plans for Smithfield which will materialise in the coming A pretty spring window-box seen in Great Percy years following the opening of Crossrail. The Street school hall will be open from 6.30pm. The The window boxes will be judged before the Amwell meeting will begin at 7.00 and the talk will Summer Fệte. The judges are committee members commence at about 7.45. Joanna Ward, Sally Hull and Camilla Jenssen. They will be looking out for window boxes of note and Amwell Summer Fete encouraging those who have not entered the competition to do so. If you see an especially lovely or clever We’re planning an extra special Summer Fete in window-box display by a neighbour or friend, let the Amwell Street this year on Sunday 1 July. If judges know. Enter or nominate by sending your name you have an idea for a stall, a competition, for and address to Joanna at [email protected] acoustic music [accordion, folk violin, banjo or Winners will be announced at the Summer Fête on 1 singing] let us know. We want to concentrate on July with The wonderful prizes are to be donated by local and neighbourly contributions so no local businesses around Amwell Street. You can see commercial stalls please. The ever popular Dog more details on our website. Show will take place. What about the cats?

The Amwell Society campaigns to protect and promote our area, its architectural heritage and to encourage a sense of community. The Society serves Pentonville Road, Penton Rise, King's Cross Road, Farringdon Road, Rosebery Avenue and St. John Street and all the streets within the area. For information about becoming a member, e-mail [email protected] Chairman – Paul Thornton. Secretary – Joanna Ward. Treasurer - Peter Kornicki. Newsletter editor – David Sulkin. The Amwell Society is a constituted group with annual accounts. The Society is a member of the London Forum 20 EC1 ECHO NO.9 April/May 2021 Advertisement

winkworth.co.uk/clerkenwell

Britton Street, EC1 £3,250,000 Freehold

A fabulous six bedroom Georgian house, which has been extended to offer wonderful family accommodation in the heart of Clerkenwell, moments from Farringdon station. This deceptively spacious Grade II listed home spans approximately 3,235 sq. ft, and is spread over five floors. Located on the highly sought-after Britton Street in the heart of Clerkenwell, this Freehold home offers superb family accommodation, looking over St. John’s Gardens. LETS SALES

Myddelton Square, EC1 Wynyatt Street, EC1 Rosebery Avenue, EC1 Wilmington Square, WC1 £599,995 Leasehold £1,350,000 Freehold £565 PW £375 PW A bright one bedroom flat, arranged on A beautiful Grade II Listed three bedroom A well presented and designed, large A well presented one bedroom apartment the first floor of a converted Grade II town house set on a quiet and picturesque apartment in New Riverhead. This two on the first floor of this late Georgian listed Georgian town house, set on the Georgian Terrace in Clerkenwell. A bedroom, two shower room (one en-suite) building on Wilmington Square. The flat much sought-after Myddelton Square. wonderful example of period and modern apartment is situated on the first floor of comprises open plan kitchen reception features in perfect synergy; this home this very much sought after development. room with access out onto a balcony has been tastefully refurbished to an overlooking the quiet square, double impressive standard. bedroom and a shower room with under floor heating.

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