An Urban Wander around Paddington and Edgware Road, London

Still very much inspired by the world of Psychogeography, my Urban Wanders around London continue as and when I can find time, and if the weather allows. This week I only managed a brief drift around the Paddington and Edgware Road areas. The gray skies were not filling me with optimism but I was pleased with my haul for the day.

Most of the Paddington Basin area has now been redeveloped, leaving few traces of its past, but there are a few reminders of its more industrial past here and there.

Old canal side buildings, Paddington Basin, London

Old canal side buildings, Paddington Basin, London

Heading west from Paddington, across the Regents canal, I crossed the Edgware Road and made my way down Church Street with its various Friday market stalls. I had walked down this road before but, as often happens, I spotted things I'd never seen before, like this piece of street art.

Street art, Church Street, London NW8

These next two photos show the changing times of the street. The first picture shows the former Duke of York pub, now a Halal food restaurant, but still preserving the original pub sign.

Old pub sign, Church Street, London NW8

Further down Church Street I spotted this old sign for a sweet shop, appropriately perhaps now sitting above a vintage shop.

Old shop sign, Church Street, London NW8

    

Paddington Railway Station ... and a bit of Brian Eno

My search for space this week has been somewhat thwarted by it being my first full week back at work, the weather, and also by feeling a bit under the weather. I had intended to go walkabout after work on the Friday but ended up leaving early not feeling too good. However, as a small pick-up, I managed to get a reasonable picture of the restored canopy at Paddington station just before my train took me home. There's something about station architecture that always impresses and inspires me, and Paddington station is no exception, especially after such a wonder restoration.

Restored canopy at Paddington railway station, London

Feeling a bit better today, I ventured out to continue my exploration of places near where I live that I've either not been to before, or haven't been to for a while, and today's choice was Wallingford, in Oxfordshire. The grey weather meant that I did not take any pictures, but had an enjoyable stroll around the town, and a good lookaround the antiques centre. I didn't buy anything as I'm still processing a lot of the vintage postcards I picked up before Christmas.

On checking the 6music schedule when I returned home, I was delighted to discover that there was a 2 hour Brian Eno special, hosted by Tom Robinson. I was initially disappointed when I realised that it was about his more recent career, but found myself captivated by the music played, the conversation and his outlook on life. Of his recent material, I think the latest I have is Small Craft on a Milk Sea and had not even realised that there were more recent releases, such as Lux.

    

I'm hoping next week will bring more better opportunities for exploration. I have a trip out to docklands during the week so hopefully will get a bit of an opportunity to see someof the areas I've not yet been to.