An Urban Wander around Islington, London N1 (part 1)

I've been to Islington in London plenty of times before, particularly when there used to be a branch of Reckless Records there, and more recently to Flashback, but I have never really spent time to wander around with anything other than vinyl on my mind. Last week however presented me with a fantastic opportunity to view this part of London through a Psychogeography lens.

We were lucky enough to get tickets to see the mighty Robyn Hitchcock at the Union Chapel in Islington on the Friday night, and our adventure started from there. After checking into our hotel for the evening, we proceeded up to the room and were immediately greeted with this spectacular view.

The view from the hotel, overlooking London

Walking up the Essex Road towards the venue, I had to pause briefly to take a picture of this wonderful ghost sign in the evening sun.

HOUSE OF WOLF
PURVEYORS OF FINE FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Ghost sign, Essex Road, Islington, London, N1

Having not been to the Union Chapel before, I was not sure of what to expect. Certainly not this, what a spectacular building.

Union Chapel, Islington, London N1

Union Chapel, Islington, London N1

The interior of the Chapel was pretty impressive too. Just time for a quick cup of tea while we waited for Robyn Hitchcock to come on stage. I won't do a gig review here, but needless to say he was both eccentric and excellent.

Union Chapel, Islington, London N1

The morning after the gig, having slept well in our hotel and breakfasted, we headed off to explore the surroundings.

Old Royal Free Hospital. Islington, London N1

If I'm honest I'm not quite sure why I took this photo. The frame of the church between the no entry signs perhaps?

Unidentified church, Islington, London N1

There are plenty of old squares and passageways to explore in Islington. Hard to think these are just a stone's throw from a busy London street.

Almeida Passage, Islington, London N1

Almeida Passage, Islington, London N1

Doorways, Islington, London N1

I'm always partial to a doorway mosaic, and this one is no exception.

Doorway mosaic, Islington, London N1

    

Come back soon for the next installment of this post.