Capital of the world?
On a train into London with his faithful dog, your columnist fell into conversation, dog-related at first, with a fellow passenger. Quickly detecting a French accent, the conversation covered France and all things French, before moving onto London. The guy turned out to be a well-known artist, responsible for some of the most incredible wall murals in the UK capital and beyond. These are those astonishing, huge paintings adorning the end of municipal buildings and housing blocks. The talent is undeniable, the sheer understanding of scale and vision to create something so beautiful, usually on something so ordinary, is breathtaking.
It turned out this guy had lived all over the world but had spent the last 20 years in London. He said he felt it was simply the best city on the planet – which is something most Londoners think but interesting to hear from someone who has chosen to make it their home.
We then had a discussion about how there is always so much happening in London and whilst New York has the unofficial title of Capital of the World, we all know this title really belongs to the Big Smoke, not the Big Apple!
And so to a few things that are going on in London right now!
New off the blocks is “Serial Killer: The Exhibition”. This chilling insight into the fascinating phenomenon of serial killers takes place quite appropriately underground at The Vaults in Leake Street, south east London. Destined for a world tour, it will appeal to any would-be psychologists or those simply with a morbid curiosity.
Looking into the lives of some of the most gruesome and notorious murderers in history, there are virtual reality experiences and more than 150 original objects, including haunting letters and paintings, alongside recreations of crime scenes and photographs of the murderers and their victims.
There is a chance to gain an insight into the murder methods and dark motivations that led to such heinous crimes and the whole gruesome event is brought to London by leading exhibition purveyors, Italmostre. Be prepared to be afraid, very afraid.
On a lighter note of criminality, “Batman Unmasked” marks the 85th anniversary of DC’s most iconic superhero.
This collection of all original props, vehicles and costumes takes place underneath Covent Garden, Central London, in a fully interactive series of rooms where the Caped Crusader’s colourful array of dastardly foes can be encountered at every turn! None of the exhibits have been seen before in the UK and include the astonishing Batmobile from The Batman and Christian Bale’s Batpod from The Dark Knight.
The intricate detail of the props and costumes is fascinating and the themed rooms with lasers and special effects make for an unforgettable visit. At the beginning and end, there is a chance for professional photographs against pretty much any Batman scene. One of the most popular is the famous scene from the original 1960s TV series when Batman and Robin are ‘walking’ up a building holding a rope!
Darkus magazine said: “Whether you are a lifelong follower of the Caped Crusader or just someone who enjoys superhero movies, ‘Batman Unmasked’ at Covent Garden is an unmissable experience that brings the magic of Gotham to life.”
It seems almost unbelievable that Batman has been around since before the Second World War, but it is the franchise that keeps on giving to filmmakers, actors and, of course, the fans. The run at 45 Wellington Street has just been extended to December 31, 2024, as we go to press, so plenty of time to enjoy this spectacle.
All change at the BBC
The BBC has been through turbulent times recently. The shock surrounding the fall from grace of one of their star news anchors has followed hot on the heels of massive reorganisation which has included de-centralising much of production away from London, budget cuts and rationalising of premises. In many ways, the huge organisation has been hampered by its history as probably the most famous broadcaster on the planet.
The famous Maida Vale Studios in West London were valued and then sold for around £10 million (€11.9 million) last year and now a group backed by Oscar-winning composer, Hans Zimmer, plans a revamp.
MVS Partnership LLP are planning a submission to Westminster City Council which will include technological improvements whilst maintaining the character of the original building. Energy efficiency will be to the fore and there will be three new ‘state-of-the-art’ studios.
The consultation states “proposed upgrades will set new benchmarks for excellence in British film and music post-production, fostering the creation of new jobs, driving innovation and promoting industry investment”.
Some external alterations, including more planting and seats are planned for the iconic, Grade II listed building, but the intention is very much to retain and build upon the history of what was the home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to Hans Zimmer, the group which purchased the studios includes film producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner alongside Mr Zimmer’s long-term business partner, Steve Kovsky.
Boat race with a difference
Each April, the famous Varsity Boat Race takes place between Putney Bridge and Mortlake in South West London. This is between crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities and has very much been a key fixture in London’s sporting calendar for nearly 200 years.
Lesser known, but increasingly popular, is the Great River Race and this has been taking place every September since 1988.
Back then, some 61 boats raced 21.6 miles (35km) from Millwall in East London to Richmond, way out to the West of the capital.
Now, some 2,500 competitors take part in a variety of ‘fixed seat’ boats including traditional Thames Watermen’s Cutters. The entire event is run by a charitable trust and rowers compete for 37 different trophies.
The route, of course, glides by some of the most famous London landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Battersea Power Station. There are also 28 bridges to pass under including Tower Bridge and London and Westminster Bridges.
This September, great weather graced the event and large crowds gathered on many of the river crossings to watch and cheer on the 270 boats passing beneath. The best time was an astonishing 2 hours, 2 minutes and 21 seconds and ‘Crazy Daisy’ from Portsmouth was first across the line!
Richard Lamberth leads parallel lives with homes and business interests in London and Portugal. He provides consultancy services to leading businesses in insurance and financial services, property and media sectors. He has four sons, two dogs and enjoys a busy family life. He likes swimming, keeping fit and an outdoor life.
londoncalling@portugalresident.com
