Multiple Exclamation Marks in Graffiti, Signs & Stickers

The use of the exclamation mark in writing is generally discouraged. In my experience, an exclamation mark in academic writing is perceived of as frivolous. My husband says he was taught to use one in every ten thousand words. The late Terry Pratchett is attributed to have said “Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of … Read more

London in Lockdown Part 1: Street Abstracts in Kentish Town

The London Lockdown was announced on March 23, 2020. Since the initial lockdown and the recent easing of restrictions I’ve continued to take photographs both at home and on my walks. I’ve amassed quite a few so have decided to separate my lockdown images into themes; the first of which is street abstracts in Kentish … Read more

Signs of the Times

I’ve gathered a selection of signs and messages that I’ve encountered during the past month. They date from 20 March, 2020, several days before London lockdown was announced to images taken this week. Some are official, some intimate, some are signs of gratitude and hope. They range from examples of orders and restrictions created by … Read more

Images from the March for a People’s Vote – being heard in one way or another

I went to the Brexit March yesterday which was a rally for a People’s Vote calling for another EU referendum. I went on my own, but with the intention of hooking up with some musician friends who were meeting with other samba school percussionists near the Apollo statue in Hyde Park. Compared to most of … Read more

Signs: dress code and etiquette

I’ve just returned from a short trip to Venice. One of the photos I took was of this sign, seen outside a parish: I noticed the sign and misread it at first; I didn’t realise it was advocating a modest dress code policy. I initially saw the X above the guy’s cap as some kind … Read more

Barber Signs and Imagery

The other week walking down London’s Kingsland Road in Dalston I took an illusionistic street photograph involving a barbershop window that regularly catches my eye. In the mix is a striking, monochromatic bearded profile with pronounced eyebrows as well as a beautiful, shrouded female figure with crossed hands. Rather than hipster qualities I associate his … Read more

Signs of Spring so far

Weather-wise It’s been a cold March and miserable, rainy and dull early April. I can hear the wind howl as I write this post. This was the scene on a waterlogged Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath on April 1st : The following photograph looks as if it were taken in black and white – it was … Read more

Signs of Art in the streets of Venice

I wanted to write something about how art history is evident not just in the interiors of museums and churches in Venice but has a certain visibility as you walk around its streets and squares. This is in the form of reproductions of painting. I realised that I was concurrently taking pictures of contemporary street art … Read more

Gotta photograph that hat!

A few days ago I went for a walk to Swains Lane in Highgate to take take some pictures and try out my new camera lens. It was a lovely autumnal day. On the way back I saw  a woman leaning against a tree waiting for the bus. Her hat caught my eye, a warm … Read more

George Michael: George’s Garden in Autumn

I walked through Highgate the other day and spent some time in the memorial garden for the late George Michael who died on December 25 of last year. The garden is in the small green bordering his home on The Grove. Here are some photographs I took at George’s Garden, which is lovingly tended by … Read more