by James on May 10, 2010 in Noted
In these disconcerting days of transitional Government, the streets of Westminster have been full of interest. Media everywhere, onlookers, security, police, helicopters, bookies, hustlers and even the odd politician. I’ve been too busy to dawdle much, but got a few snaps for the record.
George Osborne strides away from a TV interview on the day the election was announced
For streets around the satellite vans hunch together and spew coffee-wielding technicians
The BBC built an enormous temporary studio on The Green, where once a crew of two would do
View from the inside as Huw Edwards holds forth
So who did you vote for: Carr, Mitchell or Brooker?
by James on Mar 14, 2010 in Noted
Photographers await the exit from court of accused politicians
Mild mayhem at Westminster Magistrates Court, as 3 MPs and a Lord sit inside denying charges of theft by false accounting. Outside, photographers, protestors and police jostle for their rightful position in the unfolding drama.
Meanwhile, a passerby takes a shot for the record, and his day is made by the friendly chap in the foreground looking right down the lens. Thanks!
by James on Mar 12, 2010 in Noted
Avian elevenses
A chilly day. The pigeon-chasing sparrowhawk of Trafalgar Square takes a break with a meaty snack. He had his eye on the perch of my North Road bars, but the falconer was having none of it.
by James on Mar 2, 2010 in Noted
South African president Jacob Zuma visits London this week, so the Mall and Horse Guards are awash with the national flag. I couldn’t help notice this ceremonial stage looks like a hastily-built petrol station, hardly regal dimensions are they?
A 99 once you’ve filled up please
by James on Feb 11, 2010 in Noted
Last year I bumped into this gentleman riding a very rare Pashley Phantom Roadster. The chrome gleamed in the July sunshine and I pinched a quick snap on the move. This year our paths crossed again, and he took very kindly to being stopped and photographed in the street by a stranger on a Guvnor.
As you can see, the chrome gleams even on the dullest of February mornings. And to set it off, an outfit both elegant and practical. Thanks again Luke, see you around!
by James on Jan 1, 2010 in Noted
Riding through Trafalgar Square you see endless tatty promotions sullying the monumental environment. Product launches, art events, filming operations, giveaways; they all come with white van baggage, canvas hoardings, luminous tabards, glittery leaflets, and most annoyingly they often prevent visitors joyful clambering upon Landseer’s lions.
In December 2009, the London Ice Bear stood out. It just existed, and melted away, without clutter or imposition.
Final carving on the launch morning
Ursine glow in the evening
Four days later
Serious ice cream headache
Each morning I would roll the Guvnor up for a glance at progress, until we got a cold snap and the planet bear was temporarily saved…
The Ice Bear Project
Happy New Year!
by James on Dec 23, 2009 in Noted
A terrible snap, but I was on the move, using a phone camera in the rain…
Fox calmly waits and guards, Tufnell Park
Tufnell Park has a bit of a reputation for foxy bravura, stories of them biting children in their sleep and taunting cats, or simply playing in the garden. In season they make a LOT of noise at night.
Merry Christmas Mr Fox!
by James on Dec 20, 2009 in Noted
Every car in these pictures is black or silver, and is made by BMW or Mercedes. Every car has a 3 letter numberplate, and a country’s flag attached. Every car is driven by a uniformed chauffeur. Every car is here to remove a dignitary from the State Opening of Parliament, and I could only get this close to them on a bicycle.
Parked an inch apart, no way to even step between each
Chauffeurs gossip by a row of 6-doors
