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Monday, 25 July 2016

A QUIET HAVEN, ART IN THE SQUARE MILE AND CITY DRINKING ............




Within the square mile in the City of London, not a stones throw from The Gherkin, is a quiet little hamlet. When you saunter along the peaceful little streets, you would be forgiven in thinking that you were in a small English village.



Old and new sit happily side by side .....



The church of St Helen's of Bishopsgate dates from the 12th century and was the parish church of William Shakespeare when he lived in the area in the 1590's.






Sculpture in the City is now in it's 6th year and transforms the Square Mile with open air contemporary sculptures set in and around architectural landmarks.



We went last year and saw, amongst others, Ai Weiwei's bicycles ' Forever ' ,



Laura Ford's Cats 1 & 2 were there which we also saw when we went to visit Strawberry Hill.



Sigalit Landau's ' Shoes '


..... and Damien Hirst's ' Charity '



If you're ever in the Square Mile on a summer's day, the pubs are full .....





..... everyone enjoying a drink in the late afternoon sunshine.




Just a quick word about blogging ..... when I started blogging in 2009, I gradually started to accumulate followers, building up to nearly 2, 000. Blogger then decided to get rid of a few hundred, which was OK but, I now seem to lose followers rather than gain any !! Should I take this as a sign to stop blogging  or is this just the way of the blogging world now ? I think that many have moved on to Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook. 
The world of social media seems very fickle and moves at a fast pace ......... c'est la vie !!!!!!


XXXX 




images 1 - 9 & 12 - 15: via me, image 10: via it's nice that, image 11: via suzidepingu, image 16: via david jones 


Jackie
Posted by Jacqueline @ HOME at 22:50
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50 comments:

  1. It's me25 July 2016 at 23:24

    C'est la vie..years ago i have Round 100 comments now i must be Proud That i have 35....yes blogging is not what it was.....but i wil stay here i have no instagram....Reading is always my favorite part of blogging...not making a blog......have a Nice summer and please stay blogging love Ria x ❤️

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 09:37

      Hi Ria ....... you were one of my first blogging friend's and it's lovely that we are both still here !!!!!! I like Pinterest but that isn't the same as blogging. XXXX

      Delete
  2. Tricia26 July 2016 at 01:08

    I enjoy your blog. I rarely comment on any blog, my words never seem adequate. I love the photos and your creativity. Thank you.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 09:41

      Dear Patricia ...... your words are just as good and more than likely far better than mine !!!!! Thank you so much for reading my blog and I hope that you will comment more often as I love the interaction. XXXX

      Delete
  3. donna baker26 July 2016 at 01:09

    I just blog and nothing else. Many have left for other media, but I like the form for blogging; like pen pals that you get to know. I wold miss you and your blog. I've been tempted to check out instagram, but then it would just keep me at the computer longer. Love that church by the Gherkin. Thank you otherwise I would never have known of it.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 09:46

      I only blog and, in the last year have started on Pinterest but that isn't like blogging.
      It's the making of ' friends ' that I love Donna. Sorry that I've been a slack commenter ...... been a bit busy but I'm back on track now. XXXX

      Delete
  4. oldgreymareprimitives26 July 2016 at 01:52

    I'm still here- I still love to read about the few friends and their lives that I have come to know through blogging. I joined to meet folks, not see more advertising of the things folks sell. Many used to merge the two- now no one seems to want to make the time..Yet they are fooling themselves if they think the other stuff does not take as much time. One of my closest pals of 8 years I have never met - yet we share nearly everything of our lives. <3
    so yes it is still worth it :D I'm still here with you.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 10:11

      Hi Z .... I'm glad your still there and, like you, I love the ' meeting ' of people ! ... I don't think any of the others do that and I really don't like Facebook. I won't give my blog up as I like ' talking ' to everyone. Hope it's not too hot where you are. XXXX

      Delete
  5. Mary26 July 2016 at 02:11

    Just like my friend Donna above, I too only blog, not on any other social media platforms. How would I live a true life if I tried to do everything! I love blogging and reading other blogs - I would be so upset if you left us Jackie. You alone bring me news of London and English life not shared by anyone else I've come across yet. Your photos are always beautiful and your words interesting. We've all lost followers thanks to Google I guess - so it's not you, it them as always.
    Love the Sculpture in the City presentations - how creative some people are!
    Happy summer days and evenings at the pubs (and outdoor restaurants) nothing compares to an English one, haha!

    Hugs - Mary

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 10:15

      Hi Mary,
      Well, I only blog and I do dabble on Pinterest but that's all ....... I don't think that I was going to give up my blog ..... I just don't like it when people leave !! Many of the friends I made at the beginning haveleft their blogs and are mostly on Facebook which I'm not keen on ...... to much showing off and pouting !!!! haha
      Thanks for all of your support Mary ..... hope you are back to 100% now. XXXX

      Delete
  6. Cro Magnon26 July 2016 at 05:02

    When I worked at The Stock Exchange, I used to go for lunch to a tiny downstairs pub in Throgmorton Street called 'Moores'. It was right opposite the floor of the SE, and was only ever frequented by SE workers. I wonder if It's still there; I doubt it.

    I believe Mr Blogger now deletes people who have shown no activity during a certain period. People are NOT leaving you; they are being removed.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 10:25

      Hi Cro ...... I'm sorry to have to tell you this but, ' Moores ' is no longer there ..... there is now a towering, glass office block there !!!!
      .... and, I don't know why I worry about losing followers ...... it's not the end of the world !! Hope that you've still got a piece of pork pie left !! XXXX

      Delete
    2. Cro Magnon26 July 2016 at 13:48

      I feared it might have given way to progress; such places are dinosaurs in the eyes of developers. Thanks for letting me know.

      Delete
  7. Cathi26 July 2016 at 06:31

    I'm not leaving you - I love hearing what you've been up to! Our trip this summer was once again canceled due to health issues ( thankfully nothing major) but we're heading over as soon as we can! My kids and granddaughter have moved all over the place so now I spend a lot of time flying to see them (which I love!) lots of love to you Jackie! xxoo

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 10:31

      Hi Cathi ...... so sorry to hear that you had to cancel your holiday and I hope all's well now. Lovely that you get to see your family { ours have just left after staying with us for 6 weeks ..... hectic !!! } Love that photo of you and Olivia ..... what a happy baby. Lots of love back. XXXX

      Delete
  8. Tom Stephenson26 July 2016 at 08:25

    Don't you start threatening to leave as well, Jack@. London is just packed full of interesting places, especially in the East, where it all started. Attending Shakespeare's church would be quite a thing.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 10:35

      Hi Tom,
      I'm not really going to leave ..... I just get a bit miffed when people disappear !!!!
      I love that little part of London ...... it's really quiet, leafy and village like but in the heart of the buzzy Square Mile .... and, there are so many similar areas too .... I LOVE London. XXXX

      Delete
  9. lilac and old roses26 July 2016 at 08:50

    Really enjoyable post, London is just an amazing place isn't it? Please don't stop blogging, I always love reading your posts and your photographs are stunning. Puts my little attempt at blogging in the shade! Love Jane xxx

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 10:38

      Hi Jane .... I don't think that I ever believe that I'll stop blogging ...... I just don't like change !!!!
      ..... and, your blog is lovely .... mine is usually just full of indulgence !!!! haha. XXXX

      Delete
  10. Carol26 July 2016 at 15:55

    Beautiful architecture and art! Thanks Jackie.
    And re: blogs - even though I only recently started on IG, I really really love blogs and blogging. Yours is such a treat!! xoxox

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 18:20

      Thanks for that Carol ...... I like blogging .... I like ' chatting ' to everyone !! XXXX

      Delete
  11. La Contessa26 July 2016 at 16:03

    DONOT worry about it............KEEP ON BLOGGING!
    Yes, Instagram and the others are MORE in FASHION NOW but I like the warmth of sitting in your SALON and chatting with YOU!I LOVE THE CHAPEL that SHAKESPEARE visited........also, the new and old.........BEAUTIFUL POST!WE bloggers are like FAMILY...............please do not STOP.
    XOXO

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 18:25

      Hi Elizabeth ... I agree, blogging seems much friendlier than the others. I never intended to stop .... I just don't like change !!
      Loved your last post. XXXX

      Delete
  12. nick26 July 2016 at 16:15

    I lived in London for many years, but I don't think I ever set foot in Bishopsgate! I should have done - obviously some wonderful sights. I love all the public sculpture, especially Forever and Shoes. I like the fact that public sculpture has become so fashionable and there are fascinating examples everywhere you go. Belfast is adding to its collection all the time.

    As for blogging, it probably is less popular than it used to be. Somehow I've managed to hang on to my little circle of blogmates who are loyal to my particular quirks and fancies!

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 18:32

      I know the area quite well Nick as we are often up there for one reason or other, often walking back from London Bridge, visiting Spitalfields or getting the boat to Greenwich. The 2016 sculptures are there now but we have yet to see them. There is also Open House London which is usually in September.... hundreds of great buildings are open for free !!!! XXXX

      Delete
  13. Seawashed26 July 2016 at 16:56

    I do like a Quiet Haven. To walk in the church where William Shakespeare prayed would quiet me. It is beautiful.

    I have been blogging since 2007 and I do not feel like I have community here anymore. I have been on Instagram for nearly two years now and have the community there that I once had with blogging. But I hated FB and have never tried Pinterest or twitter or anything else. I will always like Blogging best and that is why I remain. I can see in my stats that I still get a lot of visitors...1000 a day but no one takes the time to comment. I have never had ads on my blog. I do not make any money blogging. I am old school and just posting for the beauty of it. I hope you carry on with your loveliness too. xx

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 18:44

      Thanks Kerrie ..... I think that you would indeed love the area ...... quiet, a place to contemplate, be it in the church or under a tree, and art.
      Blogging has changed a great deal .... I haven't tried Instagram but maybe I should think about it. Like you, I like blogging best and have never had ads on my blog even though I've been asked many times..... I never started my blog to make money. Also, they look so awful and are very distracting !!
      Keep posting your lovliness too ! XXXX

      Delete
  14. Shawn26 July 2016 at 17:51

    Coming late, as always, to this post, and after reading all the comments, I am relieved that you are not threatening to give up blogging! Compared to many, I am a newcomer to blogging and still finding my way - deciding what's worth my time and what isn't. It often comes down to who will continue to delight and who will most likely not make me want to scream. Your blog is delightful - always interesting and beautiful and cheerful and kind in your view of the world and your comments to others. xxx

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 18:58

      Hi Shawn .... your not late at all ...... I only put the post up last night !!!!!
      I like blogging and ' meeting ' people . Somehow, you can get an idea of what a person is like and form a penfriend relationship, which is the part I love the best.
      My blog tends to be frivolous and indulgent and I tend to stay away from politics, religion etc. I started it as a fun thing to do and try not to get too involved in controversy but, now and again I speak out !!!!!!
      It's lovely to have you as a blogging friend Shawn. XXXX

      Delete
  15. Rachel Phillips26 July 2016 at 17:56

    Is that Jake Chapman in one of the drinking photographs Jackie? It looks very like him. I enjoyed the old and the new in this post. I always love a bit of art! I turned my blog off for one night only because I wasn't around to keep an eye on it and I need to! xx

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 19:03

      It does look like Jake Chapman doesn't it Rachel ? ..... I took those photographs at random so it could be him although, if you look closely, there are quite a few who look like him !!!
      I think that the 2016 Sculpture in the City is on now but we have yet to see it. XXXX

      Delete
  16. helen tilston26 July 2016 at 21:56

    Hello Jacqueline,
    I have always loved your blog. I am happy to read you plan on continuing. I have been a bit lax of late but will return. I have no interest in instagram or pinterest. The sculptures are very interesting. And now I want to join those revellers taking a beer in the sun.
    Helenxx

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 July 2016 at 22:52

      Thanks for your kind words Helen ...... we must have been blogging friends from pretty much the beginning !!
      I like Pinterest for ideas, recipes etc. but it's nothing like blogging.
      I look forward to your return to blogging, your artwork and your posts.
      Now go and get yourself a beer !!!!! XXXX

      Delete
  17. Lynne27 July 2016 at 04:02

    Oh my the history in your city . . .
    and the Sculpture in the City . . .
    I need to see in person . . .
    Wonderful photos . . .
    Your posts are the best . . .
    I notice people are falling away also . . .
    Please do not stop and go away . . .
    I would be very sad . . .

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME27 July 2016 at 09:47

      You must try and get to London Lynne ...... it's my favourite city and there is so much to see ... I have lived close to London my entire life and have probably only just touched the surface !! XXXX

      Delete
  18. LeeAnn at Mrs Black's 27 July 2016 at 18:30

    What wonderful photos! I love this part of London and you have captured it so well here. Funny enough I've just made a rare visit myself, to finally see Dennis Sever's amazing house. Before I visited I read again your post about it a few years back .... People fall in and out of blogging, but I like the way you can learn things from it whereas the purely visual media (tumblr and Instagram) while pretty, and sometimes inspiring, take so little effort and impart much less information. x

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME27 July 2016 at 19:33

      Oh LeeAnn ...... I'm so pleased to have inspired you to go and see Dennis Severs House ...... isn't it brilliant ? One of my favourite places and not very expensive either.
      .... and you are so right ...... Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram are very pretty and inspiring but not half as friendly as blogging. XXXX

      Delete
  19. Maria28 July 2016 at 16:00

    Beautiful pictures Jackie! I like the bicycle sculpture.
    I don't have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and - I thought I was modern because I read blogs!
    My dream is that one day, yes one day I will see London:-)
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME28 July 2016 at 17:29

      I really hope that, one day, you will see London Maria ....... I LOVE it but then, I'm biased !!!!
      I'm not sure where you are in Italy but, it is my favourite holiday destination and, if I only ever go to Italy on holiday, I will be a happy bunny ! XXXX

      Delete
    2. Maria28 July 2016 at 19:09

      I live in the north of Italy, in Verona. X

      Delete
    3. Jacqueline @ HOME28 July 2016 at 21:22

      Oh Maria .... what a wonderful place to live ....... I LOVE Italy !! XXXX

      Delete
  20. Britta28 July 2016 at 19:17

    Dear Jackie, please don't stop blogging - I would miss your wonderful photos and texts very, very much! I know the street you describe with the beer - there is a delicious murmur of the voices, almost like humming bees.
    I will take part with many English friends in two Crafts beer festivals in London 2nd week of August (not that I am much into beer - but they practice a connoisseurship - so I follow, and have learned my bit - 'fruity, hoppy'). XXX Britta

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME28 July 2016 at 21:24

      I won't stop blogging Britta ...... I love ' chatting ' to you all too much !!
      I will be thinking of you in August .... don't drink too much !! XXXX

      Delete
  21. elaine 29 July 2016 at 19:06

    I have noticed recently that the number of pageviews has gone way down - I thought maybe it was because it is summer but I think people are just drifting away gradually, soon it will just be you and me talking to each other :)

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME29 July 2016 at 21:14

      Haha Elaine !!!! ...... but, even if that should happen, we will still have each other !!!!! XXXX

      Delete
  22. Anonymous4 August 2016 at 12:48

    I am visiting for the first time, and definitely will be reading. I think it is a combination of people migrating to other platforms like Facebook or Instagram. but I also think it has to do with bloggers priorities changing. I think some are looking more to monetize their blog rather than make it the personal experience that it probably started as. Therefore they tend to start gravitating towards other similar bloggers. But I love the space and ambience you have here. Never loose that. :)

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME4 August 2016 at 14:01

      Thanks so much Maria and thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment ...... it's lovely to meet new people. ..... and, I know that you are right that people move on and that's what happens in life. I think that, for an oldie like me, modern technology moves at a very fast pace and I'm not keen on change !!!!!!
      Lovely to ' meet ' you and look forward to chatting again. XXXX

      Delete
  23. Amy9 August 2016 at 06:44

    I LOVE your blog and have checked in periodically for a few years. Especially when I am having a bad day. Its like my happy place. I hope you never stop!

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME9 August 2016 at 22:02

      Oh Amy ..... I have just seen your lovely comment ..... I won't be stopping anytime soon ... Thank you so much for your support. Much love. XXXX

      Delete
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