A day in London

One day last week the worlds of teaching and silversmithing overlapped and I ended up with a blast of different cultures: going from Stockwell to the East End, then to the Neasden Mandir, Dalston Mosque, Hatton Garden and finally Camberwell. Felt like I'd travelled around a bit of the world - and mostly in a double decker!

Starting in the East End, we 'trekked' north west to the Neasden Mandir. Incredibly ornate marble carvings all shipped over from India, heated marble floor, a ceremony with priests and worshippers chanting: we read about Hindusim's immense history in the museum.  

The Turkish Mosque in Dalston is also beautifully patterned and has the most enormous chandelier, suspended from the centre, high above the worshippers. Lots of light blues and greens, flowers and leaves.

 Then to Hatton Garden http://www.hatton-garden.net/, London's diamond centre to pick up hallmarked work at the Assay Office http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/assay-office/   (not working with diamonds yet!)

Finally made it to SE London, to my studio in Vanguard Court, Camberwell to squeeze in three hours of making time in preparation for next week's Open Studios.

..........Phew!