London Life
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Welcome to London Life! Enjoy your visit and come back soon!

Welcome to London Life!                                      Enjoy your visit and come back soon! | London Life | Scoop.it

I enjoy stitching this together. It's a crazy patchwork of this city's cultural life ...past, present and yet to happen. It gets ripped apart and sewn afresh most days. Its frequent changes often depend on the colour of the sky, the mood on the street, the rhythm of the river.

 

I love this city, in its various guises. Curating this online magazine makes me love it even more. It's always going to be a voyage of discovery as I keep unearthing more interesting finds, while digging over the familiar. Join me on the journey! You'd be SO  welcome!

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

Sit right down. Stay as long as you like and help yourself to refreshments.

Have a good browse and let us know what you think. Email is probably best, if you don't want to sign up and leave a comment below any of the posts.

Either way I'd love to hear from you!

 

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor

bestoflondonlife@aol.com

 

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bestoflondonlife

bestoflondonlife | London Life | Scoop.it

a quirky look at London Life... introducing our blog!

sink right down into that sofa!

there are probably some cashews down the side of the cushions

it's okay

go ahead

they are only a few days old

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

Add me as a friend on FB:

http://www.facebook.com/ursula.traynor

Follow me on Twitter:https://twitter.com/UrsulaAnne

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ursulatraynor/

 

Thanks for visiting!

Ursula

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London's Chelsea Flower Show 2013

London's Chelsea Flower Show 2013 | London Life | Scoop.it
Like last year, I was lucky to have a sneak peek at the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show on Press Day. It's brilliant to be able to avoid the crowds, especially for this year's 100 year anniversary show - ...
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

Love LittleLondonObservationist's commentary and photos from this year's CFS. 

 

I really love this hut interior by Pippa Small, aided by her sister decorative artist Alexandra Small Simondetti. With interior design as good as this, who needs flowers?

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's comment, May 22, 7:10 AM
gotta be joking about the who needs flowers bit? right?
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Walk London

Walk London | London Life | Scoop.it

Free walks all over London next weekend!

for more info: http://www.walk4life.info/events/*/1292/*/*

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Long Live The Southbank Skate Park !

Long Live The Southbank Skate Park ! | London Life | Scoop.it

"The Southbank Centre’s plans for a new festival wing means that the famous skate spot, which has existed as a hub for skaters, BMXers and artists for some 40 years, will be re-located.   We believe it should stay!"

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

I always stop by the Skate Park on my frequent visits to the Southbank. I find it curiously relaxing to watch the skateboarders strut their stuff. Maybe it's the repetitive nature ..although! you are never really sure how each "performance" will end!  It's also reminiscent of the Beckett School of Thought::  Try Again. Fail again. Fail Better    It's addictive!

 

It would be very sad to see this place lost to the planned development for the area around the QEH and The Hayward Gallery..As the guys argue, we're talking history here, as well as an important meeting place and practice space for both amateurs and professionals.

 

There's a petition gathering momentum. I'm going off to sign it now..before these dedicated and determined guys have to resort to chaining themselves to the graffitied pillars!  On second thoughts, the word 'failure' is clearly not in their vocabulary.

HardLife Apparel's curator insight, May 21, 7:25 PM

A historical site looks to relocate!

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Cinematic geographies of Battersea : University of Cambridge

Cinematic geographies of Battersea : University of Cambridge | London Life | Scoop.it
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The Brunel Museum / Thames Tunnel /170th anniversary celebrations

The Brunel Museum /                                Thames Tunnel /170th anniversary celebrations | London Life | Scoop.it

"The Thames Tunnel, completed in 1843, is the oldest tunnel in the oldest underground system in the world, As part of the 170th anniversary celebrations in 2013, we are delighted to announce a number of special events

 

Train Tours

 

On advertised days the Thames Tunnel is floodlit, and the view under the river from Wapping platform is stunning. You are looking through the pillars and porticos of the world’s first underwater fairground. Look closely any day and the same view can be glimpsed from Wapping, when the Tunnel is briefly lit by passing London Overground trains.

 

Descents of the Grand Entrance Hall

 

Directly above the Tunnel is a secret underground chamber where Brunel nearly drowned. Today access is only possible by low doorway and temporary staircase, but this was once a spectacular underground theatre. We are fundraising to fit out the space for entertainments in the grand style. Guided descents take place through the year every Sunday and Tuesday , and every Saturday evening through the summer and for Open House Weekend, Open Garden Squares Weekend and other advertised days.

Tunnel Walks

 

From time to time we organise guided walks through the Tunnel. These events take place during planned engineering works, and we are very grateful to Transport for London and London Overground for giving their consent. In March 2010, groups of fifty people left every 10 minutes to walk from Rotherhithe station to Wapping.

 

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the Coldstream Guards, led thousands of people through the Tunnel to the Museum square for the re-launch of the Thames Tunnel Fancy Fair. The Guards played here once before, of course, at the famous Underwater banquet, organised by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1827. For two days, the square outside the museum was a fairground, with acrobats, Victorian strongmen and sideshows. For the first time in a hundred and fifty years, people queued at Rotherhithe to walk under the river. This extraordinary event was covered by newspapers and television all over the world …

 

In 2013 the Heritage Lottery Fund are supporting another spectacular blockbuster event above and below the River Thames. Dates are yet to be confirmed, but there will be Tunnel Walks, music concerts and entertainment from all over the world. The Thames Tunnel opened in 1843 as tourist attraction and party venue, and Zoë Wanamaker describes the Grand Entrance Hall as ‘a spectacular underground gateway to the world’s first underwater theatre space’. History books tell us that people did not simply enter the Tunnel to reach Wapping: they were buying tickets for a place in history.

 

Dates will shortly be announced here, so watch this space. "

 

 

 

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The Match Box @ The Tricycle, May 2013

The Match Box @ The Tricycle,  May 2013 | London Life | Scoop.it

 

 

THEATRE REVIEW

 

THE MATCH BOX

 

By Frank McGuinness

 

Tricycle Theatre Kilburn

 

Until Sat 1st June

 

http://www.tricycle.co.uk/

 

Box Office 0207 328 1000

 

A one woman story-telling evening, no late-comers, no interval; the promise is you’ll be enthralled. I was. The story is one of loss, of redemption and revenge. Set in Liverpool, a young woman maddened by the loss of her child in gunfire, is further maddened by the reaction of her reactionary Irish parents. The plot is relentless and cold blooded, as we follow the logic of her unsafe mind.

 

What I saw tonight was one of the great one actor performances and a play written with such skill that I wasn’t ever allowed to predict; I was held, fearful, in the moment.

 

Leanne Best was the revelation of the evening, a commanding, mock-modest performance which really must win actor of the year or of the decade.  

 

Shaun Traynor

 

 

 

 

 

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Would you pay £90 for your family to enjoy this view from our tallest tower?

Would you pay £90 for your family to enjoy this view from our tallest tower? | London Life | Scoop.it

"At 1,016ft, it boasts the most spectacular views in London. But visitors at the public opening of the Shard's observation deck could barely see out the windows  because of thick cloud cover."

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

Bet the view today is stunning!

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Video: Cleaning Windows At The Top Of The Shard

Video: Cleaning Windows At The Top Of The Shard | London Life | Scoop.it
Jaunty film at 802 feet up.
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

these guys can even manage to engage with kids!!

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jaggedart gallery in Marylebone

jaggedart gallery in Marylebone | London Life | Scoop.it
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

EXHIBITION AT JAGGEDART THIS MONTH:

The artist Sara J Beazley will be showing new works alongside renowned ceramiscist Charlotte Hodes and the super talented Argentinian artist Maria Noel. 23 May - 15 June.

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Dairy Art Centre

Dairy Art Centre | London Life | Scoop.it

"One of the most exciting new not for profit art spaces in London, The Dairy was launched by leading collectors, Frank Cohen and Nicolai Frahm, in April 2013

 

Walk-in #TourThursdays runs every week at 1:30pm - open to everyone!"

 

 

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

Always good to see a new Art Gallery open in London. This one's in an interesting building in Bloomsbury. Click on the links below for press coverage:

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/reviews/art-review-quicksand-john-armleder-the-dairy-art-centre-london-8588057.html

 

 

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/exhibitions/john-armleder-quicksand-dairy-art-centre--exhibition-review-8585569.html

 

 

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/exhibitions/john-armleder-quicksand-dairy-art-centre--exhibition-review-8585569.html

 

 

We like the idea of the Guided Tour / Thursday Lunchtimes!

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What’s On – The Last Refuge

What’s On – The Last Refuge | London Life | Scoop.it
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

Summer Season @ The Last Refuge.

Really must get on down there to check it out.

Summer.

Don't you just love that word!

 

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's comment, April 22, 4:17 AM
The Last Refuge sounds intriguing and can be found near Peckham Rye in South London. It even has a recommended local b&b for performers and could be handy for anyone wishing to stay over after a late night's visitation! Seemingly, there is an enticing bar :)

for more details: http://www.thelastrefuge.co.uk/find-us
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Today's Poem 'Amidst The Flowers A Jug Of Wine' By Li Po ( from Rebecca Hossack)

Amidst The Flowers A Jug Of Wine

 

                By Li Po        

 

    

Amidst the flowers a jug of wine, 
I pour alone lacking companionship. 
So raising the cup I invite the Moon, 
Then turn to my shadow which makes three of us. 
Because the Moon does not know how to drink, 
My shadow merely follows the movement of my body. 
The moon has brought the shadow to keep me company a while, 
The practice of mirth should keep pace with spring. 
I start a song and the moon begins to reel, 
I rise and dance and the shadow moves grotesquely. 
While I'm still conscious let's rejoice with one another, 
After I'm drunk let each one go his way. 
Let us bind ourselves for ever for passionless journeyings. 
Let us swear to meet again far in the Milky Way.

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

What a beautiful poem! With thanks to Rebecca Hossack. It's not often you find a poem on an art gallery website and it's a really neat idea, especially when they are so well chosen.

            

                 ¸.✶º *♥ ❀      

                                    *❀.‿.♥✶ * ✿ .¸.❀

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Chelsea Fringe — a festival of flowers, gardens and gardening across London

Chelsea Fringe — a festival of flowers, gardens and gardening across London | London Life | Scoop.it
a festival of flowers, gardens and gardening across London
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

from now until 9 June

just downloaded the free app

sounding good!

 

click on the link below for 19 - 26 May  happenings!

 

http://www.chelseafringe.com/whats-on-in-week-one-18-26-may/

 

 

 

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LAST FEW DAYS! FFOUND@Woolff Gallery

LAST FEW DAYS! FFOUND@Woolff Gallery | London Life | Scoop.it

FFound Exhibition

 

A group show featuring work by the following artists: Zac Fremman, Russell West, Jud Turner, Michael Speller, Joanne Tinker, Wycliffe Stuchbury, Steve McPherson, Ryan Matcham, Frank Miller, Giulia Bocchi, Keith Haynes

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

I walked past this exhibition yesterday and I wish I had  been free to go in and take a closer look. It finishes this week so I'd better get my skates on!

 

If you are in the vicinity of Charlotte Street, why not pop in!

 

Michaell Speller's 'Take 1 Get 10 Free' caught my eye immediately, but I also want to explore the work of the other artists on display.

 

 

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Foundling Museum

Foundling Museum | London Life | Scoop.it

Exchange: 1,000 Good Deeds at the Foundling Museum

       

14 June 2013 - 15 September 2013, 10:00 - 17:00   

 

Free with Museum admission. Booking not required

.

Inspired by the acts of exchange and charity implicit in the Foundling Hospital story, Twomey has worked with children in care, former pupils of the Foundling  Hospital School, local residents and many others to devise over 1000 individual good deeds. Placed between the base of a cup and its saucer, these instructions are revealed only when a cup is selected.  In order to keep the cup, one must agree to complete the good deed; otherwise the cup must be replaced.

 

As the exhibition unfurls, the good deeds will be revealed. Uniform rows of identical cups will gradually transform as the unique, individual deeds are revealed on the saucers below. Beyond the walls of the Foundling, the cups will be dispersed; acting as mementos of good deeds done and an encouragement to do more for others.

 

We need your good deeds!! We are inviting people to submit their ideas for good deeds to be included in the exhibition, to encourage positive behaviour and empower individuals to do a little good within their community. If you would like to submit a good deed, please fill in a form at the Museum or get in touch online:

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

We just love this idea!

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the tate gallery of lost art

the tate gallery of lost art | London Life | Scoop.it
documenting history's loss of important artworks-- whether through theft, arson, discarding, or other means-- the online gallery itself is set to disappear one year after its opening.
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Summer Events @ West Norwood Cemetery

Summer Events @ West Norwood Cemetery | London Life | Scoop.it

 

"The oldest Gothic Cemetery in the world launches amazing new outdoor art project!

 

21 different artists have been given a platform for their work in this beautiful setting - one of London's 'Magnificent Seven' cemeteries, in West Norwood.

 

There will be new site-responsive works by 21 artists located around the grounds of this historic Victorian cemetery in South London .This will provide a unique platform for contemporary artists to develop work exploring notable burials, histories and themes in this inspiring setting.

 

Sculptures, ceramics, sound, textiles, photography and poetry will create a magical trail to attract new audiences to the site, with a specially designed free trail map by Okido."

 

==============================

 

22nd June to 28th July 2013, West Norwood Cemetery, Norwood Rd SE27 9JU 

 

Friday 21st June, Private View at West Norwood Cemetery 6-9pm, then at The Portico Gallery, Knights Hill, West Norwood SE27 0HS 9-10.30pm -

 

Saturday 6th July, live evening event in the Greek Section of the cemetery

 

Sunday 7th July, open day including a programme of artists' talks, with West Norwood FEAST

 

Sunday 21st July, A Grand Picnic for the Common Dead, West Norwood Cemetery 12-5pm

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

for more info about this fascinating place:

 

 http://www.westnorwoodcemetery.com/

 

London Life has put Sat 7th July/ Open Day in the diary. It's a place I've always intended to visit and the Open Day (or the Grand Picnic on July 21st) sounds like fun! If you can have fun in a cemetery? I have enjoyed visitng graveyards in Ireland since I was a child. I used to go to the Protestant churchyards with my father. The strange names and the imposing memorials would grip my imagination;  they seemed so "exotic", so  far removed from my day to day catholic upbringing.But I digress! West Norwood, here I come!

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An Abandoned House (Temporary Gallery) Covered in Street Art

An Abandoned House (Temporary Gallery) Covered in Street Art | London Life | Scoop.it
"A few weeks ago, I was invited by Griff from Street Art London to check out a secret street art project (which I've been holding out on blogging about until now!)."

Little London Observationist Blog 

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's comment, May 20, 6:04 AM
only open for the weekend = now closed and due for demolition!!!
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Sebastião Salgado: Genesis @ Natural History Museum

Sebastião Salgado: Genesis @ Natural History Museum | London Life | Scoop.it

"The world premiere of Genesis unveils extraordinary images of landscapes, wildlife and remote communities by the world-renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado."

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

I have watched the video. I now want to see this exhibition. I want to see what he saw.

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Shakespeare's Last Drink @ Pentameters Theatre

Léonie Scott-Matthews reads Shaun Traynor's poem at Pentameters Theatre, May 4, 2013.
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

For more information on Léonie Scott-Matthews and Pentameters Theatre:

 

http://www.pentameters.co.uk/

 

http://www.pentameters.co.uk/resources/Pentameters+Ham+$26+High+Interview.pdf

 

For more about Shaun Traynor :

 

http://www.shauntraynor.co.uk/

 

 

 

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What song are you listening to?

...

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

London Music update!

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Meeting ROA

Meeting ROA | London Life | Scoop.it

"With a tip off from the fabulous Cityzen Kane (who I was with last weekend scoping out a top secret project that I'll write about soon), I found out ROA was in town! " 

 

For more go to the Little London Observationist blog and sign up!

 

For Cultural London coverage, this woman never disappoints!

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

with thanks to LLO!

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Open Air Theatre: To Kill a Mockingbird 16 May 2013 - 15 June

Open Air Theatre:                                                 To Kill a Mockingbird                                          16 May 2013 - 15 June | London Life | Scoop.it
Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community.
Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

The wonderful Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park kicks off with an adaptation of Harper Lee's gritty, ground-breaking novel.

 

Book now. Go early and take a picnic or enjoy the buzz of the theatre bar. This is always one of the highlights of the London summer and certainly not to be missed.

For details of other productions happening later in the summer, visit http://openairtheatre.com/whats-on?by=productions

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London Street Art

London Street Art | London Life | Scoop.it

"Some brand new and some have been around a while, these are a few of the shots that have been added to the LLO Flickr pool recently from our street art photographers."

Ursula O'Reilly Traynor's insight:

22/04: Start the week with some excellent Street Art!

(with thanks once again to Little London Observationist, one of our favourite London bloggers)

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