London – always vibrant, beautiful and irresistible – has attracted the crowds since its beginning as a Roman city in AD 43. Almost 2,000 years later, its popularity is still on the rise.
▴ London’s busy riverfront
Four years ago I made London my home. Like many immigrants, I came with a dream in a suitcase, a one-way ticket and a brand new oyster card that I never used. I had a mission: to write and illustrate a book in the shape of a city guide for nerd architects, photographers and designers like myself. London welcomed me with open arms. In a week I already had a couple of sketches, some stories worth writing about and a newfound love who, four years later, is still by my side.
My urban explorations come in hand with a camera, a Moleskine and Micron pens. Occasionally, I’ll bring a couple of grey Copics. For me, there are two perceived realities: the objective (which I capture through the lens) and the subjective (which I draw on-site). When I review the material at home, there’s always more in my sketches; in which the subtleties become highlights and details become protagonists.
▴ Natural History Museum in South Kensington designed by Alfred Waterhouse
There’s something dazzling about London. The sensual curves of the river Thames hugging north and south, multiple charming bridges connecting the city and its endless commuters, and the most contrasting buildings – old and new, tall and short, known and secret – all coexisting together. At night, when the city is illuminated, one can’t help to feel fortunate to be part of this architectural feast.
▴ Tower Bridge by Horace Jones (1894)
It comes as no surprise that this bright, fun and beautiful city has attracted worldwide interest. In 2019, a record 80.9 million passengers travelled through Heathrow alone. London has a population of roughly 9 million.
▴ Heathrow Terminal 5 by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (2008)
On average, these visitors stay 4.9 nights in London, according to Visit Britain. Additionally, those travellers who decide to stay longer represent 37% of London’s population, including 24.5% born outside of Europe. And as of April 2020, 13% of the total population in the United Kingdom live in the capital. London’s DNA has always been diversity and its lifeblood international exchange.
▴ Tate Modern by Herzog & de Meuron has attracted 5.9 million visitors in 2018
This leads to the question: Is tourism a bad thing? And – What is exactly a tourist? In Craig Taylor’s book Londoners, he tells the story of people who inhabit the city for a period of time. Some enjoy the greatness of London for a while and then leave it for a better life (a newly formed family perhaps), others come with the idea of a temporary stay (like myself) and stay indefinitely. I can’t help to wonder, would I still be considered a tourist by some?
▴ Leadenhall Market is located on the former site of the original Roman basilica.
Historically, the constant influx of people has played a crucial part in London’s economic and cultural success. In fact, it was founded by Romans, razed by Celts, settled by the Anglo-Saxons, and ruled by Normans. London has never been a purely English city. What would London be without the Jews? Expelled in 1290 during the reign of Edward I and readmitted in 1656 under the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. Or the Huguenots? The Protestant French weavers who thrived in Shoreditch and brought their silk skills with them. Whilst many artists and poets were born and bred in London – William Blake, J. M. W. Turner and Virginia Woolf to name a few – many key players came from other parts of the country: William Shakespeare, Christopher Wren and Jane Austen amongst many others.
▴ Princelet Street, a former Huguenot master silk weaver’s home
Visitors come and go, and sometimes leave a deep impression in the city that will last for centuries: Paintings, plays, books and buildings – crucial aspects that keep a city thriving, growing and improving. Throughout history, visitors have contributed significantly to London’s well-being. And this is still the case in the present. What would London be without Tate Modern? A successful conversion project designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. Or the master plan of Canary Wharf? One of the main financial centres of the United Kingdom and the world, envisioned by American firm SOM (also designers of the Burj Khalifa). Even London’s tallest building (and Europe’s) – the Shard – was designed by a visitor, the Italian Renzo Piano.
▴ The Shard by Renzo Piano
I have to welcome and celebrate all these visitors, for which the city constantly benefits in the long term. And history has taught us the gains of migration through endless examples. I wish more people saw it this way: we need transient crowds as much as we need inhabitants. Cities have a much more intricate economic and social way of developing and more complex and intense intellectual efforts mean a fuller and richer life for all.
▴ Houses of Parliament, an area that is always crowded
Today, despite suffering from overcrowding, there are a couple of places that depend upon visitors. Oxford Street, Covent Garden and even Westminster wouldn’t be the same without the crowds. Jane Jacobs, famous for ‘The Death and Life of Great American Cities’ argues that density can be a good thing.
‘The sight of people attracts still other people.’
and Jane Jacobs adds
‘If a city’s streets look interesting, the city looks interesting; if they look dull, the city looks dull.’
The combination of both locals and visitors can actually be positive.
‘People with different schedules has meaning to the city and the power to confer the boon of life upon it‘. Jacobs points out that ‘On successful city streets, people must appear at different times’. And indeed this is true for London’s most popular locations: From Westminster to Borough Market, from Soho to Camden Town.
▴ Borough Market by Henry Rose (1851)
Arguably, some places aren’t as vibrant without the crowds. Pall Mall, empty at night, can be a scary sight where Buckingham Palace looks more like a haunted place than an inviting royal home. Interestingly, this vibe is the opposite during day-time events such as the London marathon, when Buckingham Palace’s sight is associated with the exhilaration of the finish line.
▴ Buckingham Palace’s east façade by Aston Webb (1913)
One can argue that tourists in London are everywhere. Airbnb apartments abound not only in Oxford Circus or London Bridge, but also Clapham, Shoreditch and Camden. The tourists who stay in these areas drink the local coffee, enliven the streets and help the nearby businesses pay their rent. In fact, can we actually be sure of being able to distinguish between a tourist and a neighbour? Sometimes it’s not so clear.
▴ Camden Lock, a former industrial area now popular with tourists
Each time one of the shops that distribute my book runs out of copies, I’ll take the opportunity to do the delivery myself. For some glorious reason, I never get tired of visiting the National Theatre, Soho or Oxford Street. The architectural significance of these places is well-known by architects and planners alike. However, for those who have no interest in Brutalism or city planning, these places are equally breathtaking, dramatic and exciting. Nobody needs a degree to understand and enjoy the lively dynamics of these areas. Every time I walk down Waterloo and admire the concrete colossus from the distance, I do so both as a designer and as a citizen. Am I perceived as a tourist when I sit on the bench just opposite to sketch this building once more?
▴ The National Theatre by Denys Lasdun (1976)
Between St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower of London, is the City of London. This oddity of a city within a city, founded by the Romans has more history than Westminster itself. Up to today, it holds its own laws, mayor and police and it’s unquestionably an area of power. The Queen still has to ask for permission to enter. Though thriving financially, nobody lives there any more and it’s deserted on the weekends. If it weren’t for Monument and the much-hated Walkie Talkie, no one would set a foot in the City on a Saturday morning.
▴ St Paul’s Cathedral by Christopher Wren (1711)
My life drawing sessions have taken me out and about in the City. For religious architecture, I always come here. It is a place with a surprising amount of Christopher Wren churches and his life masterpiece: St Paul’s, which he began when he was 34 and finished by the time he was 78. London’s contemporary cluster, also lodged in the City, holds a remarkable number of buildings by Foster + Partners: Bloomberg (2017), The Walbrook Building (2010), Willis Headquarters (2008), The Gherkin (2003) and Moor House (2005). I enjoy strolling around his built world and can’t help to wonder: Does he feel like walking in his personal Legoland around this area?
▴ 30 St Mary Axe by Foster + Partners, affectionally known as The Gherkin
For greenery and perspective, I visit Primrose Hill.
One of the earlier places I visited while doing the research of my book was Columbia Flower Market – quiet during the week and crazy busy on Sundays. One thing I observed was that despite its location (off the beaten track), there were many tourists. Columbia Flower Market began in this former slummy part of Bethnal Green in the early 19th century, an area not far away from the Jack the Ripper murders of 1888. Columbia Flower Market was, in fact, a handsome structure built in 1869 by philanthropist Baroness Burdett-Coutts. Her intention was to beautify the area and get people off the streets. Later, upset with the ungrateful locals, the baroness complained in her writings that nobody used the building. Ironically, the merchants preferred to conduct their business in the open air. The market became derelict and was demolished in 1958. The authenticity of the Columbia Flower Market might be one of the factors of its success with both locals and visitors.
▴ Columbia Flower Market takes place every Sunday and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike
Though life after research goes back to normal, I still take delight in pausing and admiring whatever crosses my path. The buzz and activity of Borough Market and its 1851 entrance that once belonged to the Royal Opera House. Or the perfect mixture of people around More London during the Wimbledon season, where the games are streamed in a temporary but huge screen at the Scoop and the excitement is palpable in the atmosphere.
I often detour my journey to stop by Tower Bridge and observe the crowds in front of the Tower of London – not a single sad face in this area. Unsurprisingly, what all these happy places have in common is actually the crowds. They came with thorough urban renewal, thoughtful redesign and the opening up of public spaces.
▴ London City Hall and The Scoop at More London
London means different things to different people. We all interpret reality in different and enriching ways and buildings and places can represent opposite views.
Further to the west, adjacent to Buckingham Palace, we find Green Park, one of London’s busiest parks. A tale about King Charles II explains its name. Apparently, the Queen discovered her husband picking up flowers for another woman and she ordered that every single flower should be cut. Truth is that no formal flower beds can be found in Green Park, but that doesn’t seem to bother the crowds who lie down on the grass to enjoy the shade on a hot summer afternoon. What bothers me personally, is the fact that St James Palace, just behind Green Park, was built on a former leprosy hospital. And Green Park was once its backyard cemetery. You’ll never find me on one of the iconic green and white deckchairs. Again, London has a funny way of meaning different things to different people.
▴ King’s Cross Station extension by John McAslan + Partners (2012)
Another place I’ve been frequenting recently, as it’s always changing, is Granary Square and the Coal Drops area. A former industrial complex servicing the nearby King’s Cross Station has been transformed into a cultural, commercial and residential destination. Coal Drops Yard, designed by Heatherwick Studio in 2014, was the tipping point of a successful transformation. With it, other buildings were restored in 2018, including the Gasholders by WilkinsonEyre and Jonathan Tuckey. Opinion about the conversion of these 1867 structures to 140 luxury apartments is still polarised, as you can imagine.
▴ Coal Drops Yard by Heatherwick Studio (2018)
However, not long ago, this area was a shabby backyard. Back then, only the boldest tourists would risk venturing this far, imagining they were near a plague pit of the 17th century. Now everybody roams the shops, speculates about flat prices and complains about the state of things. The contribution of such developments to the city economy is questionable since gentrification is a problem and the money for such projects comes from foreign and dodgy pockets.
▴ Millennium Bridge by Foster + Partners
Nevertheless, when we analyse these projects – not with a magnifying glass but from a bird’s eye point of view – we become aware that as a whole London is evolving, and for the better. Where once we found substations, we now find world-class museums. Where the riverfront was shut and polluted, it’s now an open space with trees. Where a derelict structure was infested with rats, we now find a refurbished residential block.
A sign of this progress is precisely the crowds. Tourists are a symbol of growth, success and popularity like no other.
▴ Trafalgar Square has been redesigned to favour pedestrians
Londinium, founded by the Romans, has seen the rise and fall of cultures, has embraced the world’s best foods and speaks all languages. Life in London has never been easy. It can be cruel at times, unaffordable to most and scornful to those who pretend to own it. But despite being an epicentre of plagues, misery and other disgraces, London’s popularity has only increased and will continue to do so. Those who spend time in it – regardless of how long – will be inspired, energised and in most cases hungry for more. One thing is for sure – London and people go hand in hand. In the paradox of its existence, crowds will always be a curse and blessing but as long as there are crowds, London will thrive.
Virginia Duran is an architect and urban planner from Madrid, Spain. She is the author of ‘Architectour Guide London’ and the forthcoming book ‘Architectour Guide New York’. Additionally, she publishes free PDF guides on her blog. Her city guides have received 1 million downloads and have been featured in multiple architecture websites across the world.
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Wow, amazing drawings… Would really love to see one of those using also the grey Copics you mentioned, but what I would love the most is to visit London with your guide in my hands. Soon, I hope!
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Thanks! Should have included some with the Copic markers too. Hopefully, next time.
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Despite not enjoying the crowds, they are a key part of the city’s development. Places need visitors to survive. If having to deal with crowds means accessing to world-class museums (sometimes even for free), then it seems like a fair deal to me.
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Thanks for stopping by Isma! That’s a great point. Nobody wants to encounter crowds, or even be part of one but everyone wants to visit all these amazing places. Overall, it might be a fair price to pay as you mention. Have you recently visited London?
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Wonderful article, would definitely love to see more of this! Drawing is a great method to get to know the surroundings from a new perspective, it really adds up to the whole knowledge. Your black and white sketches are very captivating and allow each of us to go to all of those places and experience them in our own way. Keep it up! ♥️
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Thanks Clara! I couldn’t agree more with the drawing piece, it’s truly subjective and very personal. Plans to visit London after Covid-19?
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A brilliant read, Virginia, and one that will inspire my next trip to London once we are safe to do so! Isolation has given us an unexpected (yet welcome) chance to pause and reflect but I, too, look forward to being connected by the crowd again soon.
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Thanks Anna! I think that seeing London so empty right now has made me reflect on the fact that crowds enliven places in a unique way. Hopefully you’ll be able to visit London soon?
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Amazing article Virginia! It has been great to visit all these places again through your drawings and from your perspective. Can’t wait to go to London and bring back some spots after covid.
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Thanks Sara for your kind words. Hopefully, all this craziness will be over soon 🙂
Any favourite spots in London?
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Really interesting, I am currently self-isolating in Bath and I am finding the city eerily quiet but also beautiful at the moment without the usual madness of the crowds. Can’t imagine how different London must feel at the moment.
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Does it feel like something in between an early morning and a zombie movie? London looks quite spooky right now. I went to Oxford street and it’s empty. So is Tower of London!
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Really inspirational reading and drawings… Make me eager to visit London back again! I really enjoyed the analysis from the evolutionary perspective, never angled a city from that perspective. Great reading!
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Thanks Manu for your insight! Hopefully, we’ll all be able to enjoy London soon. Where you in London recently?
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Thanks for your wonderful drawings – your vision of London! Last time I visited 10 years ago. This year was going to come in the beginning of June: Haendel House and a concert in Wigmore Hall, Piramide by H&dM, but alas… My favorite place in the city – the court of British Museum. During the economical crisis of 2008 the electricity in the city was economised, so we could see the stars through the glass roof (on Thursdays the court was open till 23), after that Norman Foster became my favorite architect.
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Dear Irina, thanks for your lovely comment. It transported me to a British Museum I yet not know in which one can see the stars through the glass roof – that must have been stunning. We agree that Norman Foster is the greatest blessing to London (and the world). Any chances of you coming back after the crisis is over? It seems London holds a beautiful spot in your heart.
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Dear Virginia, leider London only next year. I understood you like Zurich, me too, but now I prefer Lucerne: have you been to KKL? And The Hotel (both by Jean Nouvel). For me Lucerne is the best city in CH. And Rigi Kaltbad/Mario Botta?
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Hopefully 🙏🏼 I haven’t been to Lucerne yet but your suggestions made me want to visit soon. Jean Nouvel is one of my favourite architects so would have to go there in person. Mario Botta… yes and no. What about you?
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In Lugano some buildings are nice, but I have the church in Mogno on my list – in Italian tradition of white and green marble. May I ask you – have you seen Zentrum Paul Klee/Renzo Piano in Bern? The best place in CH! Foundation Beyeler is nice, but small. Interesting that the enlargement is made by Zumthor, not Renzo Piano. Maybe because he is busy with Science Port in CERN though?
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Ahhh that remote and stunning church in Mogno, is up on my list too. I haven’t been to Bern either, is it good? You’re very knowledgeable with all these architects. Who do you prefer Zumthor or Piano?
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Bern is wonderful! But there is only river. In Lucerne the lake is part of the city and KKL as well. Renzo Piano is good everywhere and in everything (except for Pompidou to my taste), Zumthor – in the mountains, St-Benedigt chapel is a gem. I attended lectures on the architecture and was lucky with our lector
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So many places lovely places to visit from your recommendations – thank you! I hope to go there in person one day to see all this amazing architecture. I am a big fan of Renzo Piano, he’s done stunning buildings everywhere in the world.
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Dear Virginia, when in London I used to read Henri Morton “In search of London” – nice details about the stone of Trafalgar column and about small passages to follow to come to Yeats’s house etc.
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Dear Irina, thanks for sharing with me this book as I didn’t know about it. I will read it soon when it arrives 🙂
Any other favourite books about London?
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Virginia, I am in awe of your talent. You bring streets, buildings, cities alive with your words and drawings. Thank you for generously sharing your thoughts and insights – you inspire us all to pursue a creative life. Hugs!
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Good to see you, Rebecca, thanks for stopping by 🙂 I crave being around London, even more, these days. I miss sketching it very much. How is it on the other side of the pond? Are streets very empty?
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Loved this piece. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty and diversity of wonderful London. Your drawings are fantastic. It’s great to read such an uplifting piece right now, makes me want to walk around London as soon as possible (and safe). I’m sure we will all look with renewed awe and excitement at this great city.
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Thank you Carmel for stopping by, I am very glad that this article made you want to walk around London. Until then, the excitement of doing so will make it even more special when we are able to do it.
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What a fabulous post, even if it has made me quite homesick for London! It’s wonderful how your drawings stir memories just as, or perhaps even more potently, than photographs of the same places. Thank you! James.
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Hello James, thanks for your uplifting comment! I find too that drawings express a lot more than photographs right now. When was the last time you visited? And what was your favourite place? I’ll confess that I want to go everywhere as soon as it’s safe to do so.
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Thank you, Virginia, for the lot of Informations and scetches! I know a lot of the places you drew from my 2018 holiday in London.
I very much hope that we can set off again soon for new cities. +
Greetings from a sunny Berlin,
Susanne
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Thank you for your nice comment Susanne. I hope the city (and country) can welcome you again soon. How is it in Berlin right now? Are the most popular locations empty? Are the main streets free of cars? Very curious to read what’s happening in Berlin.
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I really like Vriginia, if you give me permission I will make a «reblog» to my blog «el carre i la ciutat»
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Hello Vicens, thank you for stopping by! Please, feel free to reblog my article, it makes me happy that you liked it.
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Very interesting easy-reading article of London’s best spots with spectacular drawings! Love all of them! They make me want to go back to London and rediscover all of them!
Very interesting conection between London’s architecture and social prints where “tourists” play a key role to London’s development.
Looking foward new articles with new drawings! Good job!
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Thanks for your kind words Monica. Architecture should serve people and if architecture (and city planning) are good, shouldn’t more people be able to enjoy it? We would all want some places to ourselves but sharing is the key to more success and further development. I hope you get to visit London again soon 🙂
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Reblogged this on El carrer i la ciutat and commented:
Publiquem un article de Virgínia Duran, arquitecta i urbanstista i una excel·lent «urban sketcher», els seus dibuixos de Londres són deliciosos.
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Thanks for reblogging 🙂
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Lovely sketches! I lived in London for just under a year while attending graduate school, and for as much time as I spent walking its streets and how fond I felt for it, I always knew I was just a visitor there
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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story with us. How was it for you? Did you feel at home at some point or you always felt you were visiting? Also, any favourite areas?
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Clever summary of London history and lovely sketches that gives you a clue of what your are going to see later on in the reality! Just amazing!
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Thanks Belen for your kind words! Sketches have that magic I suppose 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you soon in London.
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I love the sketches and the article is very interesting! It made me feel nostalgic of when we could see crowds on the street. Hopefully we’ll be back soon and until then, we can at least look at this drawings and remember how it used to be 🙂
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Dear Elena, thanks for stopping by. Crowded streets are already a nostalgic sight I agree with you – would we see Trafalgar Square as busy as it was before? When would we be able to visit places again? Time will tell.
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Una maravilla, Virginia. Me has recordado a los dibujos de Bill Risebero en Historia dibujada de la arquitectura occidental… Enhorabuena. Saludos! Pedro
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Hola Pedro, muchas gracias por tu comentario. ¡Qué alegría ser comparada con Bill Risbero! ¿Cómo le conoces?
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Tengo sus libros y me parece un crack pero tú, por lo que veo, no le vas a la zaga
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hahaha me has hecho reír. Gracias Pedro, te mando un saludo grande desde Londres.
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Excellent sketches – thanks for the inspiration to get back out and so some more
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Thanks for your kind words Tara! Do you also enjoy sketching?
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I do – I need to get back to doing it more often
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That’s very nice. Do you sketch buildings/objects?
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I sketch objects and buildings http://www.tussockstudio.com 🙂
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This is amazing Tara! My favourite ones – obviously – are the urban sketches. Great work.
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Thanks, Virginia – yes I prefer the Urban Sketching personally. When you have the time pressure to finish something when you’re there I find it less stressful and less time-consuming. I’m really happy to have found your blog so thank you 🙂
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Nice sketch… could you follow my page😊
https://soulsketch.design.blog
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