There is so much in this essay. It is worth being on Substack for. And will be worth reading again. Not least for the writing, which has (dare I say it) such character. Thank you.
I was also a 55 bus traveller, getting off at Liverpool St, unhappy and sometimes hungover in one direction, angrily unhappy on the return journey.
Rolling hills, intermittent, rather than tall ones, are the line of sight where I am now. The character of this kind of landscape surely endures.
Patina, texture and variation of colour are so important for the character of the city. I agree that the proliferation of glass and steel is dispiriting.
I loved your description of your DLR journey. The elevated sections are magical. There's a brilliant bit between West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock, from where you can glimpse the sugar refineries and derelict industrial sites which are less visible from the street.
I think cities are like a piece of music; each note has to find meaning in relation to those immediately surrounding it, but also in the context of the whole.
There is so much in this essay. It is worth being on Substack for. And will be worth reading again. Not least for the writing, which has (dare I say it) such character. Thank you.
I was also a 55 bus traveller, getting off at Liverpool St, unhappy and sometimes hungover in one direction, angrily unhappy on the return journey.
Rolling hills, intermittent, rather than tall ones, are the line of sight where I am now. The character of this kind of landscape surely endures.
This is very kind, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Responses like this are also worth being on substack for!
Patina, texture and variation of colour are so important for the character of the city. I agree that the proliferation of glass and steel is dispiriting.
I loved your description of your DLR journey. The elevated sections are magical. There's a brilliant bit between West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock, from where you can glimpse the sugar refineries and derelict industrial sites which are less visible from the street.
I think cities are like a piece of music; each note has to find meaning in relation to those immediately surrounding it, but also in the context of the whole.