Visit to Museum of London and Masterworks at the Royal Academy

On Sunday I went to the London Street Photography exhibition at the Museum of London. In my research I have looked at some old postcards of Crouch End in the early 20th century and I was fascinated by the clear sense of community which was bought to the are through trading and markets. I wanted to look further into London life at the turn of the century and the ways communities were shaped by various cultural factors.
Overall, the exhibit was interesting, but didn't help me greatly in widening my ideas. My favourite photos were a collection recording life for the West African community in Notting Hill during the 50s and 60s. At a time of social tension, the photographer wanted to capture the strong bonds between black and white people.

Also as I was in the area, I went to Postman's Park to visit the monument to the 'heroic self sacrificers' which Susan Hiller used in her piece 'Monument'.

It was helpful to record another example of messages and the spaces which are created to display them.

I then went to Masterworks: Architecture at the Royal Academy. It was great. I really enjoyed the work of Alan Stanton and Will Alsop- 2 architects I haven't really come across before. Alsop's piece 'Fog is an Urban Experience' was inspiring- It was refreshing to see architects approaching projects in a more rough and creative way. I want to use some paint, collage and colour in my revival project- its a good way to build up a realistic picture of the part urban, part suburban character of Crouch End

example of Alsop's work
source: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/toronto/alsop_artexhibit_310507_3.jpg

Example of Stanton's work
Source: http://www.arbuturian.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/article25stanton-300x244.jpg