Post from over the way: Ben Johnson

More exciting photo-taking opportunities next week but in the meantime here is a photo I took of the lovely Ben Johnson, when me and Dan went to his studio.

My dad's badges

Golden Lane Estate Market Day

Recently the wonderful Golden Lane Estate had one of its market days, where the estate's residents apply for a table to sell whatever they like - be it mouthwatering cakes and brownies (from these lovely people) or bric-a-brac from the lovely ladies from the estate.

I was contacted by the really nice Christine and Bill (the people who helped me with my ongoing Golden Lane residents project seen here) to ask if I would take some photos on the day and I happily agreed. It was a lovely morning spent snapping away, meeting some of the very nice people I live on the estate with. I defy people to say Londoners don't have community spirit! We do.

Here are some snaps from the day:

(all photos © Lucy Johnston - none of these photos are to be reproduced or used without my prior permission)

Tube strike

(Kings Cross station about 4 years ago © Lucy Johnston)

My sister speaks wise words and I completely agree with her:

"The thing is that the strike highlights how important the tube is to the day to day lives of people who live and work in this city - so don't cut corners on staff and safety! Commuters deserve a safe, clean, well-resourced public transport system where its staff is treated with respect and paid better than bankers!"

So although its a fucker to get to work when there is a strike on, I don't blame the strikers, I wholeheartedly support them.

Photo

Ping Pong, behind Liverpool Street, after Steve Gullick shoot before Nicholas' train home.

Arab Strap is dead

The first time I saw Arab Strap play was when I was 18, around about this time at Reading festival, ten years ago. Having heard Girls of Summer played by either John Peel or The Evening Session when I was about 15, I remember getting up hurriedly hitting the record button on me little hifi system (when I used to tape songs and sessions off the radio so I could listen to them back and get to know all the new bands - this was how I first happily stumbled across Mogwai too) not knowing what I was listening to but instantly knowing I'd fallen in love with it. When I saw both Arab Strap (and incidentally Mogwai, which is still one of my ultimate live highlights of all time) at that Reading two years later after having bought and avidly listened to the first record, I was totally blown away and in fear of sounding utterly ridiculous, fell completely in love with their music, already more so than having listened and enjoyed both bands' first records. Since then, and many more Arab Strap gigs later (including their last London show) I've been ranting to anyone who'll listen that Arab Strap are truly amazing... if you ever get me in a place where there's access to Arab Strap, a word of warning - I will sit you down in silence and make you listen to choice moments, or the whole of Mad for Sadness as an introduction in realising that Arab Strap should be one of your most favourite bands, live AND on record.

Anyway, as brilliant as Arab Strap were as Mister Moffat says "All good things eh...."

This is a stroke of genius, a very moving film to coincide with the reissue. This made me laugh, erm, I mean weep, a lot...

Now, can someone please buy me the reissues??

Steve Gullick...

(Steve Gullick speaks to Dan in his study © Lucy Johnston)

In fear of sounding dramatic, its difficult to find the words to explain how inspiring I found it to talk to Steve Gullick, who has for a long time been a great inspiration to me. All I can say is that it was a real honour to talk to this man about his work, inspirations and concerns. Again, good tea was drunk and Dan very kindly let me speak very excitedly about things I love with someone whose work I deeply admire. It was genuinely a very positive afternoon and me and Dan came out of it talking excitedly, completely buzzing, having just met a very decent and extremely talented fellow.

Here are a few of the usual snapshots I take on my little LC-A.

The journey homeward...

Dan pondering:

Blurry me, demented facial expression very excited by the prints Steve very kindly gave us within my grasp:

And here is a photo I took between Steve's house and the station...