London Interiors [antikvár]

Kaleidoscopic London By Jane Edwards Le kaléidoscope londonien De Jane Edwards Kaleidoskop London Von Jane Edwards Arundel Gardens, London Wii London has always been a remarkably compelling city, but as we begin the new millennium it has an especially magnetic hold on our imagination. Its attractions are as many and diverse as the city itself, but it also has the reputation of being an unfriendly place, an insider's city inhabited by disdainful and arrogant Londoners. But also it is arguable that the infamous London aloofness is one of the city's attractions, especially for anyone drawn to its reputation as a fermenting ground for art, fashion and music. Cracking London has to be the ultimate creative challenge. Today sees London is riding a wave of economic optimism and resurgent creativity, but historically it has always been a city in a state of perpetual change and regeneration. Over 2,000 years it has grown out from the banks of the River Thames to become the sprawling metropolis it now is, dominating the South-East of England. There was never a grand planning vision, unlike Paris or Rome. Instead it has evolved organically, with waves of sporadic property development dictated by the ebbs and flows in the economy. The city started life as a centre of trade and finance and continues to be one. This constant regeneration has created an ever-changing landscape. The modernising Victorians were particularly keen to get rid of old churches and buildings in the name of progress. The result is either a vibrant city of unexpected contrasts, or a disparate hotchpotch of architectural styles, depending on your point of view. But a wonderful side effect ofthis architectural diversity is abundant choice - only imagination can limit how you live in the metropolis. London's historical vicissitudes have etched a unique character onto both its inhabitants and its landscape. In the current economic boom the city appears vibrant. The greyness of past decades offinan-cial gloom has lifted and a new positive outlook is reflected in a surge of ambitious building projects and urban renewal. London hasn't experienced such an overwhelming sense of optimism and confidence since it was swinging in the sixties. In the international arena today it is the capital of capitals, combining its position as a major financial centre with a justified reputation as one ofthe world's creative hot spots. Like many large cities, London is a series of insular London Interiors