The weather today has given us the clearest foretaste of spring so far. The sun was shining and the temperature had risen to no less than 15°C.

St John Street

As we usually do, we set out with only the vaguest notion as to where we were going, other than that we would eventually call in at Myddelton’s deli. To start with, we set off along St John Street, pictured above.

It was already here that we became aware of something that would characterise the whole of our route: people. It was as though the sun and the warmth had sounded the end of lockdown and everywhere we went, there were large numbers of people, almost like a Saturday before the pandemic struck.

Shops, closed down

Non-essential shops were not open, of course, and some, like the two in the picture, had obviously closed, never to trade again, no doubt killed off by the economic downturn. Even some businesses that are allowed to open were shuttered and dark, such as the local branch of Pret A Manger. Will they ever open again?

The old Water Board Offices

We cut through Arlington Way to Rosebery Avenue where I photographed the old Water Board offices (now residential). Its characteristic turret stands as a local landmark.

City University campus

We passed through Spa Green (see, for example, Bug hotels and pigeons), to arrive in St John Street once once again, near the handsome university building, decorated with its fine clock.

Sticky-tape house number

In Myddelton Street, we were amused by the number 37 displayed in that house’s fanlight: someone has fabricated it with pieces of adhesive tape, rather than have a nicer, but more expensive l, number made.

Breakfast no longer available

In the same street, we found another trace of a closed business: this chalk board displays a cafe’s offering for breakfast though the cafe is long gone and the site is shuttered.

Site awaiting redevelopment

The whole site previously occupied by the cafe and other shops has been closed off, pending redevelopment. As what? We shall just have to wait and see…

Spa Fields

Continuing on, we arrived at Spa Fields, today a park but in times past an area of open land where there occurred, among other events, the Spa Fields Riots. It is split by a road, on one side of which is a children’s playground. It was very busy and social distancing, whether of adults or children, was noticeable by its absence.

The site is also notorious for the burial ground that was in use here during the late 18th century. Originally intended for 2,722 burials, the site continued in use well beyond that and it is estimated that over a period of 50 years, up to 80,000 burials were carried out. How was this possible? By the simple expedient of digging up old graves and burning the contents to make room for new (temporary) lodgers. The nightly cremations caused sickness in the surrounding neighbourhood and led to accusations of scandalous practices, including the burning even of recent burials.

Panorama view of the park

Going through the park, we had difficulty avoiding people, so busy was it. All the benches were occupied and people were walking their dogs on the grass, despite repeated notices in big letters saying “NO DOGS”. I suppose we should not be surprised that people who ignore social distancing rules also ignore other rules.

Climbing a tree

This family obviously thought that climbing the park’s trees was a suitable activity.

Playing table tennis

More acceptably, this elderly pair were enjoying a game of table tennis, even though most of their time was spent fetching the ball out of the undergrowth!

Exmouth Market

We crossed the end of Exmouth Market which, like Chapel Market, is a street lined with shops and cafes where a market is also held. Unlike Chapel Market, the stalls all allowed to operate on weekdays only. Note the cyclists. We saw a lot of cyclists this afternoon, not only in pairs but sometimes in groups. Unfortunately, not all of them keep to roads and cycle path but some ride on pavements and in other pedestrian areas, constituting a nuisance and a danger to others.

House then shop then house again

I have photographed this premises in Yardley Street before but do so again because it intrigues me. It is smaller than the buildings on either side and was presumably built earlier. I imagine it was originally just a house but at some point was converted into a shop with living accommodation above. Then, at some later date, it has reverted to being a house, albeit with the shopfront still in place. I have no idea what business or businesses took place here when it was a shop.

Wilmington Square Gardens

Finding ourselves in Wilmington Square, I took a quick panorama shot of the central gardens. I described the square and gardens most recently in A visit to Wilmington Square.

Yoga for posties

I have mentioned in previous posts how these Georgian style houses (at least the original ones) were built before the invention of the postal service with the result that letterboxes had to find a location in front doors already provided with furnishings such as door knobs and knockers. This one in Attneave Street is a rather extreme example, having been placed almost at floor level. Good exercise for the postie, perhaps!

Spring House

In Margery Street, we contemplated this building, part of an extensive housing estate, and debated on its age. Early 1900s perhaps? But then we noticed that there was a plaque beside the front door. Access was through no less than two closed gates, no doubt intended to discourage people without legitimate business from approaching. Gingerly, we opened the gates and approached. No one challenged us. The plaque was worn and hard to read but we could make out the date: 1930, later than we thought.

Mystery stone

In front of the house was a pleasant little garden with a circular centrepiece. In the middle of this lies a stone, not circular but with cut edges rather like a 50p coin. In its centre is a hole. I wondered whether this was an old millstone, because they do turn up in gardens from time to time. Tigger suggested that perhaps it had once been part of a garden fountain. I don’t suppose we’ll ever know one way or another.

Community garden – tempting but inaccessible

We reached Lloyd Square through the apparently nameless passage that I have mentioned before, beside which is a community garden. It looked very inviting today but the garden remains firmly locked.

Something missing

I previously reported that the Council has been blocking some residential streets as a “traffic calming” measure and showed this street, Lloyd Square, with three bollards installed across it (see Dead trees and a fox). Today we found that the middle bollard had been removed, unblocking the road. This must have been done by the Council because the hole had been filled in and covered. I can only think that this is the result of pressure from residents, annoyed at not being able to drive along the street.

Myddelton’s deli was just a few yards further along and very soon, coffee in hand, we were on our way home. What are the chances that the better weather is here to stay? I wouldn’t bet any money on it myself…!

It is Friday and Tigger had to go to the office but we at least have the weekend to look forward to. On the other hand, yours truly was confined to the flat, not because of Covid but because we were expecting a delivery. This being the case, I have no photos to show you but Tigger was kind enough to send me some of hers which I use to decorate this otherwise rather boring post.

Historians of the future will no doubt have to explain to their amazed readers the sudden and strange cultural shift that our nation experienced as a result of the pandemic. They will explain that, with all “non-essential” businesses closed to personal visits, online shopping took off as never before and that, as a result, we “shoppers” stayed at home while the “shops” (or at least, their poorly paid representatives) came to us.

Cordon bleu chefs we are not and, as far as food preparation is concerned, we make do with a microwave cooker and… a kettle. I have often enough mentioned making tea for you to have understood the importance of the latter appliance!

At the beginning of the first lockdown, the lid of our electric kettle became detached. This was a nuisance but, the shops being closed, we managed with it as it was. In fact, we went on managing with it until two days ago when various other problems emerged and a replacement was deemed necessary.

As speed was of the essence, we had recourse to big, bad Amazon (yes, I know, I know…), mainly because Tigger’s Prime account guaranteed next-day delivery. Though they promise to deliver on the day, they of course can’t say exactly when.

I hurried through breakfast and getting washed and dressed, fearing to be caught out in a delicate position by the doorbell. Of course, no such embarrassment occurred and it was only at 4:10 pm that I was summoned by two impatient rings on the bell. By then, Tigger was on her way home.

I have already put the new kettle through its paces and it seems to do the job perfectly well. There is just one small problem: the gradation marks are on the left which, given the position in which the kettle resides, in neighbourly amity with the microwave, is the “wrong” side. The old kettle had gradations marked on both sides and that seems such an obvious design feature that I don’t know why it’s not implemented on all kettles, especially glass-bodied kettles where it’s easy to do.

As I wrote the above words it occurred to me that you might want to see a picture of the new kettle. Probably not, but here’s a photo anyway.

And here’s another photo, an accidental that took itself on my way back from photographing the kettle.

I have never made a secret of being sceptical that there is any such thing as “art photography” but I suppose this could just about pass for “abstract art photography”. What do you think? 🙂

As Tigger is at work today, I found it hard to motivate myself to go out but I had promised to go to the pharmacy to pick up something for Tigger and that gave me an extra impetus. After lunch, the sun decided to put in an appearance which helped too.

The Crafts Council Gallery

Everything looks better when the sun is shining. I have passed the Crafts Council Gallery (originally a late Victorian chapel) many times but it looked particularly attractive today, lit by sunshine.

Chiaroscuro Angel crossroads

This photo shows the contrasty lighting from the low winter sun causing bright areas and areas of deep shadow.

For a change, I walked through Owen’s Fields. Despite the name (which refers to extensive fields that were once here), the park is quite small. Its most noticeable feature is a large sculpture.

EDGERUNNER
Paul Neagu, installed 2012

Here are three views of it. Make of it what you will. There is more information on it here. I have to admit that abstract art is not something I readily relate to. I imagine that in summer it finds new purpose as a children’s climbing frame.

Owen’s Fields

Before leaving, I took a quick panorama photo of the little park. The panorama function is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it allows you to capture a broad sweep that would be impossible with a single frame but, on the other, it can introducing distortion. This causes the centre of the photo to be enlarged compared with the sides. It works best when photographing views with no nearby features in the middle.

Still decorated

I walked through into Chadwell Street where this shop is to be found. I showef it on the blog before, pointing out that the door was still decorated like a Christmas parcel long after Christmas. It’s now February and nothing has changed. This is just one of many businesses that seem to have been caught in a time warp. Quite a few will never open again. I wonder whether this is one such.

A glimpse down Arlington Way

During lockdown we have often walked along Arlington Way – you may recall that this is where the Shakespeare’s Head with its vine is to be found. Today, though, I contented myself with a quick photo. At the end you can make out the tower of the old Finsbury Town Hall, now assigned other duties.

Time has stopped at the undertaker’s

On the corner of Arlington is the establishment of Thomas Treacy, undertaker ‘s. It is a familiar enough sight but what caught my attention today was the clock, halted at 10:25 (whether am or pm, who can tell?). This is perhaps another example of neglect brought about by the pandemic. Some might see it as deeply symbolic!

Myddelton Square Gardens

I walked through the gardens in Myddelton Square and took another panorama photo., not a very good one, to be sure. This is partly because I felt the need to be discreet and take the photo quickly before people noticed me. That was because the gardens were unusually busy for the time of year and most benches were occupied. The sunshine had tempted people out to relax in the open air.

Busy pigeons

My friends, the pigeons (as Tigger would no doubt call them 🙂 ) were very active, seeming to enjoy the sunshine. They were waddling about, courting or flying in groups back and forth around the gardens. There were also the garden’s squirrels darting about in the undergrowth though I didn’t manage to photograph one.

A bricked-up window

As I passed the George and Monkey, I became aware of something I had not noticed before: on the top floor, one of the windows has been bricked up. Or has it? Perhaps it was built like that. I have no idea. If ever I visit the pub, I will ask and see what they say about it. Not that I am likely ever to go there.

I collected Tigger’s item from the pharmacy. Have you noticed that, no matter how well they know you, they still always ask you to confirm the address on the package?

Just a tree but lovely

Walking along Inglebert Street, My gaze was attracted to this tree. With the sun lighting the bare branches it struck me as beautiful. I think I mentioned that this winter has taught me the beauty of trees even when they are bare. I await with interest to see what new loveliness is revealed when the trees are once more dressed in their green costumes. At upper right, just beyond the tips of the branches, you might be able to make out the moon.

Sunlight in Myddelton Square

The sun was also lighting up the houses on this side of the Square, giving them a cheerful aspect. Familiar as this view may be, it always appeals to me, as does the whole of the neighbourhood which the pandemic has taught me to know so well. There is another entity that I have also come to know and love. You can see it to the right of the above photo: my Curvaceous Tree!

The Curvaceous Tree

Guillaume Apollinaire 1880–1918

In this land of changeable weather it should no surprise that today is damp and dull. It wasn’t actually raining and it was mild (around 9°C) so we set out bravely, wandering more or less as fancy dictated.

The Angel Crossroads

This view of the Angel crossroads will give an idea of the conditions and of the dull light that infuses the photos.

Friend Street

We walked down Goswell Road and turned into the somewhat nondescript Friend Street. As urban roads go, this one has a slightly unusual feature.

Street barrier

It has been cut into two pieces by a barrier. The barrier can be unlocked, if necessary, by the emergency services but otherwise remains closed to traffic.

London Councils are implementing “traffic calming” measures, as part of which, some streets have been blocked in order to prevent their use as “rat runs” and to direct traffic back onto main roads. I don’t think this is the case here, though, as the usual method employed is to install bollards across the road, not substantial barriers like this. Perhaps this one belongs to a previous set of road closures.

Hermit Street Open Space

On the corner of Friend Street with Hermit Street is one of Islington’s smallest parks or gardens. It rejoices in the rather unimaginative name of Hermit Street Open Space. Currently, the gate is chained shut, preventing access.

Bug hotels

Looking over the railings, I could see a feature that pleased me: no less than three bug hotels. In the form of heaps of pieces of wood, they provide shelter for the smaller creatures, giving them a chance to breed and prosper. There was one oddity, however.

A wooden horse

The top element on the nearest heap struck us both as resembling a horse. Careful scrutiny revealed that that is exactly what it is, carved but unpainted. Was it a project that someone started and never finished? All guesses are likely to be wrong!

Mournful-looking St John Street

Friend Street led us eventually out into St John Street, looking rather mournful in the damp, cloudy weather. You might have caught on to the fact that this is bringing us round in a circle and leading us to somewhere familiar.

Rosebery Avenue

We crossed St John Street into Rosebery where you can see, on the right, the Sadlers Wells Theatre.

Spa Green

Tigger suggested we walk through Spa Green and I accepted this happy proposition.

“I thought you might like to see your friends, the pigeons,” she said.

How well she knows me!

Male pigeon courting a female

The pigeon colony was present and active. I took several photos but will bore you with only two. Above shows a male courting a female, cooing alluringly while rotating to show off his finery. Sadly, his efforts met with no success and he departed to try his luck elsewhere.

Victory, a fine pigeon perch

The second pigeon photo shows a silhouette of Finsbury War Memorial. If the sculptor, Thomas Rudge, had intended to built a pigeon perch he could not have made a better job of it than this winged Victory holding aloft a laurel wreath. When alarmed by dogs or noisy humans or when they simply want a quiet place to rest, the pigeons find a safe perch on Victory.

Myddelton Passage

We, bidding the adieu to the pigeons, crossed the Avenue and entered Myddelton Passage which I have photographed and described many times already. You might be able to see the vine along the top of the pub garden wall. It is still without leaves or grapes and looks quite dead. Is it, though, or will it flourish again when spring comes? I shall keep an anxious eye on it.

Abandoned chair

Walking along River Street, we encountered yet another abandoned chair. How many have we seen so far? I have lost count. I wonder whether this is the result of people working from home and finding that the chair that was adequate for surfing the Web in the evening was not so comfortable a seat for the whole of a working day. Does anyone ever take on these orphans and give them a good home?

We called at the pharmacy

We had now reached Myddelton’s deli but first, we had business at the pharmacy which is handily situated next door but one to it.

Our business transacted, we were free to call in at Myddelton’s for our coffee. Carrying this home, completed the loop of our walk.

Though the weather was not of the best, the rain held off and we saw numerous things to interest us. With coffee as the final reward, what more could anyone want? 🙂