I work in an office in 30 Millbank, just off the monstrous Millbank Tower, which is now a listed sixties building. It’s all near the Thames, which is great. I walk there most days from Pimlico station, about ten minutes away. I love the walk. It’s often a relief after a hideous tube journey from home to Green Park or Victoria, littered with signal failures and defective trains. The last leg, on the Victoria line, from one of those stations to Pimlico, is usually smooth. But the stress can still be there. The walk to work, with great music on the iPod, soothes the soul.
I like the walk because it’s uncrowded, quite serene and full of interesting sights. Some are obviously there every day; others, especially in the Chelsea Art College square, appear from nowhere from time to time.
On a lovely sunny day recently, I thought, I really should take some photos of this walk. I did it today when it was cloudy grey – and freezing! – but I’ve fiddled around with the effects on iPhotos to create a series of photos, all in a ten minute walk, which I hope will be interesting.
To me they show how fascinating the daily routine can be, if you just take a closer look at what is around you.
So, rather more photos than usual on one of my lovelondonscenes, but I hope you you like it!
The offload.
Leaving the station. These next two are straight iPhone photos. The Tate is near, so it’s advertised.
Looking at you!
Escape.
A government building of some sort.
Publishers. Turned my eighties novel down many years ago. I’m not bitter!
Approaching the College.
Digression.
Back on track.
Chelsea Art College, with the Tate ahead, is the main reason I love the walk…
Latest exhibit in the square. Something to do with human-powered travel – see next photo!
Latest shows.
Spot the Shard!
The Tate Britain from the front.
The brutal tower is inescapable. But it’s OK to work in (I don’t, but I’ve been there).
The Boris bikes, named after our quirky Mayor of London.
A sculpture of sorts. I like it!
The office!
In the office we have great view across the Thames to the City… and the Shard.
So amazing!
Thoughtsfromwestfive 
There’s much to see if one has the eyes to observe. Lovely photos John. I’ve seen a few pictures of this area from when my wife was on a short observership at St. Thomas Hospital.
Interesting things all around us.
Yes, nice tour, John, and I do like the b/w and sepia variations.
Slightly amazed we haven’t run into one another! You may recall that I’m doing a three-month stint at Tate Britain (two days a week, usually), and am working in the Lodge, the small brick building lurking in the shadow of the “brutal tower” in your photograph. Our lives are so busy, especially with Christmas looming – but if they give me some more consultancy time in January, let’s have a post-work pint at the Morpeth…….
You won’t be surprised to hear that I always commute there (if not always back) on foot. Hammersmith Broadway, through Fulham to Stamford Bridge, then down Lots Road to the river. An hour and fifty at a decent clip, and, so often, it’s a really wonderful walk. But you’d need to add an hour and a half – bit of a challenge, that.
Always on for a nice pint of Youngs at the Morpeth Arms! Or lunch in the Tate members room.
Thanks, John, I enjoyed the walk!