It is a programme that makes some TV viewing worthwhile. It studies the experiences of occupants in two apartment blocks, one as mentioned and the other in Berlin through the twentieth century, specifically across the two world wars. The Berlin block particularly has the rise of Nazism and the terrible impact on many occupants, with others being senior in the SS and others being party members. The research is extensive and the tone calm, letting the human experiences speak for themselves.

You also get to see the design inside those apartments now, which is interesting in itself.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2024-11-03 08:52:45)

Excellent yes. I feel intrigue gently humming in the background constantly as I walk about London again after a few months away.

Talking of which the Isokon building looks to of been a melting pot of design, intrigue, gossip and conviviality back in the thirties. There is surely a book series there with famous Jewish designers passing through as they fled the Nazis, Agatha Christie and others all there over the years.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2024-11-03 15:15:11)

Yes I have that book on the shelf next to me. The book 'The Lawn Road Flats' about the building talks more of the intrigue there. Worth a read. Not sure how much is true, but it stimulates the brain as to what was/might of been.

I collect small bits when they come up from the Isokon building, Festival of Britain, early TFL etc.

I have a Penguin Donkey MKIII on other side of me (https://isokonplus.myshopify.com/products/penguin-donkey-mark-iii) and a John Green Embrace at end of the room https://www.johngreen.co.uk/shop/p/embrace-oak - I appreciate that practical early modern design. I like that Isokon Plus continues with a London studio.

Anyone interested in all this aspect of London is recommended the books 'High Buildings, Low Morals' and 'Beautiful Idiots and Brilliant Lunatics' by Rob Baker. Most enjoyable.

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2024-11-05 07:56:53)

Yes Bohemia House is the Czech Slovak club. It is close to ACOL bridge club. The club is famous for the most famous bidding system in UK and Commonwealth countries. I used to enjoy a game of Bridge.

Was in Kilburn last weekend. Had to get off at West Hampstead because it was bus replacement from there to the end of the Jubilee line. Walking was preferable.

Used to love Kilburn. Now it's a third world tip. The National music venue and the massive State cinemas are both enormous evangelical churchs. On a sunny afternoon there was an abandoned sofa on the High Street with a black man asleep on it. Further down, another black man was targeting blonde women to try to cadge cigarettes. The rest of the High road was halal plus a few chancers selling trainers from boxes.

Hopped on the bus to Cricklewood The Crown is now a very nice four star hotel but they sell decent Guinness at pub prices. Irish music festival in progress. Spoons in Cricklewood is OK. Then bus back to Kilburn. Not many in the magnificent Black Lion but the Sir Colin Campbell was fine. Decent Guinness and Irish music in the other bar.  Could hear it but dont have to show appreciation if the musicians cannot see you.

Last edited by Kingston1an (2024-11-05 11:21:14)

The Cock in Kilburn used to be good for rock music people. Coopers on the other side of the road was decent. Half an hour closing time difference too- Camden v Brent council.

Power had the Mean Fiddler in Harlesden. I never went there.

Remember coming out of the State  cinema after a Clint Eastwood western and we went for a new fangled 'as much as you can eat pizza'. For some reason it was popular on that night with Orthodox Jews. They were waiting around rather than taking pizzas as they arrived. We figured they did not like the ones with chilli.