London Open House weekend

[spylaw4]

In connection with the current enthusiasm for London member get-togethers, may I remind (or flag up) everyone that London Open House Weekend this year is on 20/21 September. Get into properties that are normally closed to visitors. There is an on-line catalogue as well as a booklet.

Not much use for a meeting as almost every open property has some type of a queue, and for the most popular you have to book to get an entry slot, but bear this weekend in mind when setting London meeting dates!

I am however suggesting that interested members plan and visit at least one property and then submit photos in a thread. Nearer the time I'll remind folks once more and seek participants.

Incidentally if there is a similar initiative in any other city world -wide, why not find out and participate?

[farnz]

Thanks for the reminder, Brian, and a good idea about posting pictures in a thread (in the Photo forum?). I make a point of going each year and am consistently surprised by some of the buildings that are open to the public only on Open House day (shame!).

Two that immediately spring to mind are Seaforth House and the Argentinian Ambassador's residence; the former is formerly private house from the Georgian period in Belgravia with beautiful frescos on the walls and a sweeping staircase among other things, and the latter houses some excellent and bizarre modern art 'statues' (not great stone monoliths but exquisite screens and mobiles and things). No queues for either.

Pete.

[spylaw4]

Been to both last year Pete! Had to queue for the residence, which I found interesting but in need of some TLC.

[farnz]

Great minds think alike, Brian.

I tried to get into the gherkin (St Mary Axe) by booking early but all of the slots were already filled. Have you been to the top and, if so, is the view spectacular?

I'm particularly interested in elevated views above London so I've been to the London Eye, Monument, Hampstead Heath, the London Hilton and the Greenwich Observatory but I'd be interested in suggestions for other elevated views that are accessible to the public (and particularly on Open House Day).

I'd like to take pictures from the top of the BT Tower, Canada Water and Centrepoint; can anyone tell me if these are ever accessible please? (Sorry if I'm highjacking your thread, Brian. )

Pete.

[andybarton]

The view from the top of the Gherkin is fantastic, especially in stormy weather. Makes for interesting backdrops to interior shots too.

http://www.andybarton.com/2005/mediafiles/l18.jpg

http://www.andybarton.com/2005/mediafiles/l17.jpg

[spylaw4]

Pete, you'll have to wait for this year's listing to see what high views are open. I hope to get a slot for the Gherkin. What about Tower 42 (NatWest Tower)? IIRC there's a bar & restaurant up there so there might be views available.

Keep an eye open for Highpoint in Highgate as well, and Trellick and Balfron Towers.

[farnz]

Thanks, Brian, will do.

Andy, lovely shots but a pity those people got in the way of the view!

Pete.

[spylaw4]

The detailes are now out on the Open House website -see my link at the beginning of this thread.

The Bad News - regrettably no Gherkin this year !

The Good News - plenty of other interesting buildings all over London. But for some you do have to book in advance and some are only available on one of the days.

So put 20/21 September in your diaries!

[farnz]

Thanks, Brian, and I'd noticed there was no Gherkin too. I'll have to look for a conspicuously tall alternative ...

Pete.