Algernon Cecil Newton, The Backs of Houses, Harley Street, London, 1925
I know a dreary London painting isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, right, I KNOW. I’ve been really drawn to quiet city scapes. We’re always moving about, reading about every single thing that’s happening across the world LIVE, looking at our portable tiny screens that contain all of the information that exists. It’s easy to forget that there are insanely still moments too.
After almost 3 years, London is feeling like home. And I am obsessed with the chaos and life. AGES ago, when my knee allowed me to go to boxing classes, I tried to go to one in central London on a Sunday morning. Of course I was late and they wouldn’t let me in. (Fair enough, it’s my own fault for trying to be somewhere at 9am on a Sunday). Instead of boxing, I walked around bond street with a coffee. It was really surreal and quiet and strange but in a kind of lovely way. This is what that painting reminds me of. I need to see more paintings of quiet moments in big scary cities.
I have been spreading myself so thin. You probably didn’t notice but I haven’t sent one of these in a while. I am saying yes to too much and catching up on life admin in the half an hour I have to myself a week. I have not prioritised EMAIL NEWSLETTERS and I am not sorry. I was talking to a friend this week who is also doing too much. And it’s a nice problem to have, having gorgeous and fun friends who want to do things. But also, I am going to start saying no more for my sanity now. Please don’t be offended.
Congrats you’ve made it to the end! Todah Rabah.
Eleanor x