London Days this autumn
posted on 07/08/20
As we intensify the process of readying tours and events to run this autumn, London Days are in the vanguard of our activity.
We know that many of you are eager to seek inspiration and stimulation through engagement with the arts and enlightened commentary. Our London Days enable you to do this without the need for airports, planes or hotels – and to do so in the world’s most fascinating city.
It goes without saying that we will structure the Days to conform with social distancing and other Covid security measures that will be required at the time. The Days we are launching or re-launching are either predominantly outdoors – Backstreets, Squares, Whitehall – or are mini music festivals: the Organs Day and Choral Day. They will be balm for soul and spirit as well as sublime musical experiences, much needed after this unprecedented year.
Please join us. We want to get back to do what we do as much as many of you do.
The London Squares Walk – London’s greatest glory
10 October 2020
The basic form of London’s squares and crescents are not unique to the city, but their sheer profusion is unparalleled. They constitute London’s most distinctive and pleasing architectural characteristic, a cityscape as fine as anywhere in the world. The squares on this 5½-mile walk are largely intact, of high architectural quality, in excellent condition and have landscaped gardens in the centre. This is a study of the final, triumphant phase from late Georgian to late Victorian, a period of unprecedented stylistic variety.
Led by Martin Randall.
The London Backstreet Walk – from Hyde Park to The Tower
8 & 29 October
This walk from Hyde Park Corner to the Tower of London shows what is widely believed but rarely tested, that the centre of the city is perfectly walkable. The route chosen, however, is special – almost exclusively through backstreets, parks, alleys, gardens and pedestrian zones. This produces many delights and surprises: famous monuments and unexpected clusters of ancient buildings, picturesque vistas and labyrinthine alleys, recent architectural behemoths and medieval street patterns.
Led by Martin Randall.
Whitehall – architecture, history, government
18 & 21 October 2020
Whitehall is shorthand for the civil service, for political life and the mechanics of government. It is also, of course, a street, and togther with adjacent precincts it comprises the most historically significant half mile in England. And there is an architectural legacy to match. The buildings form the principal focus of the day, though a light dusting of historical reference and political anecdote acknowledges that the history of the nation is woven into their fabric.
Led by Martin Randall.
London Organs Day – from Lothbury to Hanover Square
23 October 2020
London has an outstanding wealth of historic and modern instruments – no other city comes close – and four fine examples are heard today. They are in two Wren City churches, St Margaret Lothbury and St Lawrence Jewry, and, in the West End, All Saints Margaret Street, a Gothic Revival masterpiece, and St George’s Hanover Square, Handel's church. The organists are Richard Townend, Charles Andrews, Jeremiah Stephenson and Simon Williams. One tube journey (you could substitute taxi), seven short walks totalling 1½ miles.
London Choral Day – three choirs & three churches in Chelsea & Belgravia
23 November 2020
Even during difficult times there is a place for the joy and solace of choral music, especially if imbued with the purity and spirituality which professional consorts can create. There are three performances by first-rate choirs in three neighbouring and architecturally distinguished churches, St Peter's Eaton Square, St Mary's Bourne Street and Holy Trinity Sloane Street. For social distancing, there are two audiences; you chose whether to start at 11.30am or 2.00pm. There are two refreshment breaks, one of which is lunch for the earlier group.
'These London Days are really memorable, unique and often unforgettable experiences. I have learned and enjoyed the day so much.' – a participant on a London Day.
