Columbia Road Market 2
Last week, as if somebody had flicked a switch on the day after the bank holiday, the weather changed. Suddenly autumn is in the air, the nights are cooler and I put the quilt on my bed for the first time. The end of summer brings Cyclamen into the market and today I bought six for a fiver. My preference is for tiny white ones close to the wild species (they also come in red and a range of luscious pinks), and I look out for varieties with elegant spidery patterned leaves like these. Always a great bargain, if you deadhead them conscientiously they will flower through until Easter. I planted them to lighten the shade under the Magnolia Stellata just as I did last year, and I hope if I keep doing this they will naturalise in my garden.
Shakespeare’s younger brother
In Southwark Cathedral the other day, I found the tomb of William’s younger brother Edmond, who followed his elder brother’s path to London to become an actor. In 1607 he performed at the Curtain Theatre (situated where Curtain Road is now) in Shoreditch. Ten years earlier at this theatre, Romeo and Juliet and Henry V were premiered – William described it as “this wooden O”. Think of that, next time you visit the Hoxton Pony, American Apparel or SCP.
It seems Edmond had a life here in the neighbourhood, because his illegitimate son was baptised in St Leonard’s Church, Shoreditch, but the child died soon after and Edmond just four months later, aged only twenty seven – all in 1607. It cost twenty shilling for his burial “with a forenoone knell of the great bell”, most likely paid for by his more successful brother. Nothing else is known of Edmond Shakespeare.
Brick Lane market find
For more than twenty years, I have been trawling Brick Lane Market for interesting old things and while the market has changed beyond all recognition, and though you may have to look harder now, there are still bargains to be discovered if you have sharp eyes. Last Sunday, I bought this lovely pair of nineteenth century plates in a delicate blue and white transfer willow pattern for just £4. They were hidden amongst a pile of twentieth century reproductions and were priced accordingly. I swear my toast tastes better eaten off these.
First Thursday, Raven Row
On the evening of the first Thursday of every month, all the galleries in Spitalfields and the entire East End throw open their doors. There is an infectious sense of carnival as people parade from gallery to gallery catching up on the contemporary art scene and collecting as many free beers as possible. I recommend a trip to Raven Row (a new gallery comprising two beautifully restored eighteenth century houses in Artillery Lane) which is opening Eduardo Paolozzi : The Jet Age Compendium tonight.
Taj Stores, Ramadan Mubarak
The green and blue lights are up in Brick Lane and it is the month of purification, fasting and devotions. There is an uncharacteristic hush among the residential streets of Spitalfields and, appropriate to the season, at the Taj Stores they are selling these exquisite little baskets of delicious dates (£7.99), as a traditional and healthy restorative for when the time comes for you to break your fast.
The stones of Spitalfields
History is literally just beneath my feet here in Spitalfields, as I’ve discovered recently while they have been resurfacing our streets. For just a few brief hours after they had scraped off the old surface and before they laid the new tarmac, the beautifully laid granite setts were exposed. I was struck by the fine craftsmanship and it reminded me of the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Apparently, these setts have to be covered in case they damage cars that drive over them, though it occurred to me that leaving them exposed might provide some welcome traffic calming. Now the stones are covered again with a thick layer of tarmac but, as my neighbour said to me, it is nice to know they’re there.
Ponystep, the beautiful people
Manhattan had Studio 54 but here in Hoxton we have Ponystep. Last night, Richard Mortimer’s legendary club (the successor to BoomBox) returned from an eight month sojourn in Paris, and I was exhilarated to be there in the thick of the dance floor, whooping it up with the models, fashionistas and style pioneers that create the unique atmosphere of this superlative event. What a party, what a night!
