London City concrete

A spark of inspiration from photographers Richard Cooper-Knight and Richard Guest led me to take a photographic walk around a London landmark previously uncharted by my camera.

The pair captured London’s Barbican in one of their regular collaborations, distilling its essence into an intriguing set of photographs. It’s a concrete housing estate with a high-rise element which was built in the 1960s and 70s. It lies in the heart of the city and is a prestigious address.

The Barbican is something of a maze and on the face of it far from beautiful. But as the two Richards found, it’s bristling with lines, curves and angles. Quite Unmissable for the photographer.

Click first image for the full gallery experience

Here are further high-rise posts:

Ode to the tower block

More joy of tower blocks

Dazzling desert towers

Tags: architecture, Barbican, concrete, high rises, London, photography, tower blocks

15 thoughts on “London City concrete”

Noeline Smith on April 15, 2013 at 15:31 said:

It’s not too often that I think of concrete as beautiful!

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 15, 2013 at 18:02 said:
  
  It’s not usually a good look! The lines it creates can be more arresting.
  
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lena de almeida on April 14, 2013 at 17:04 said:

As they say ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ and you show that here. I particularly like the shot of the balconies.

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 14, 2013 at 17:19 said:
  
  Thank you Lena, that’s very kind of you. True, it’s surprisingly what you can find beauty in.
  
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Richard Guest on April 13, 2013 at 19:37 said:

Thanks for the mention, Mike – a really nice compliment! Great shots, as usual.

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 13, 2013 at 19:47 said:
  
  My pleasure, Richard – I’d forgotten about the Barbican until you guys mentioned it. And thanks kindly.
  
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ckponderings on April 13, 2013 at 08:54 said:

Reblogged this on ckponderings and commented:
CKP and TFIPM meet the might of Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 13, 2013 at 09:01 said:
  
  Many thanks for this, Richard :-)
  
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  - ckponderings on April 13, 2013 at 09:07 said:
    
    No problems! :)
    
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ckponderings on April 13, 2013 at 08:53 said:

A great set of images, Mike, and I’m honoured at the mention! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 13, 2013 at 08:58 said:
  
  Thank you Richard. Well, you guys got me there at last! There’s another associated outing tomorrow…
  
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  - ckponderings on April 13, 2013 at 09:07 said:
    
    Ooh…! I’ll keep an eye out! :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on April 13, 2013 at 09:15 said:
      
      I’m sure you and Richard were transfixed by it too!
      
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      - ckponderings on April 13, 2013 at 09:16 said:
        
        See that’s just got me thinking now… :)
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on April 13, 2013 at 09:18 said:
        
        Hahahaha! Very good.
        
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