While Rory was sunning himself in Corfu with his girlfriend, Juliana, and her family, Dougie and I nipped down to London last weekend for a little break of our own. We did lots of sightseeing, a bit of shopping (new bag!) and just enjoyed being together, practising for what it’s going to be like when Rory goes to university next weekend (pass the hankies!)
I had heard about the Books about Town project: the National Literacy Trust working with Wild in Art to bring literature to the streets of London. Trails of benches, shaped as open books, have been decorated by professional illustrators and local artists. There are four trails – Bloomsbury, City, Greenwich and Riverside – so you can pick a trail and even download a quiz for each one. Of course, we didn’t know this and had wondered why we hadn’t spotted any benches whilst shopping in Oxford Street. The next day, as we sauntered over Tower Bridge to the south side of the river, we found ourselves on the Riverside Trail. It was a wet day, which was in our favour: I could take lots of photographs as no-one was sitting on the benches. We crossed back over the river on the Millennium Bridge and stumbled on part of the City trail too.
If you fancy having a guess at which book is represented on each bench, here is a little quiz for you. See if you can get 10 out of 10. No cheating!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
WOW! I haven't heard of these but what a very cool idea.
They are super, aren't they. I enjoyed finding the big Easter eggs in London a couple of years ago and these are just as thrilling to spot. Such a fabulous shape too.
We did this too, but we did the Bloomsbury one, and saw completely different benches! Our favourite was James Bond, which was fantastic, though Pride and Prejudice was a bit disappointing. It's such a great idea, isn't it? Some are easier to work out then others too (um Paddington Bear!)
Well done, Sarah, you got one! 😉
We seemed to spot a lot of children's books. Were the Bloomsbury ones more adult?
How FABULOUS is that idea!! Pity I cannot make it to London on time to see it. And I so want that Paddington bench now… xx
I think we need to club together and bid for it in the auction. I wonder how much each will sell for?
Difficult to guess the auction prices without a benchmark.
Ha!
How long are they installed for? Hope they'll be there next summer.
Only until 15 September, Toni. They are auctioning them off with the proceeds going to the National Literacy Trust.
Are they comfortable to sit on? They don't look very comfortable. The Mary Poppins one looks like it is based on the film rather than the book.
No idea…they were soaking wet so I didn't sit down.
What a great idea! I'd love to buy one and put in our garden. x
Me too! Shall we share one?
So much more fun than overdressed cows or apples!
I had to google that!
I've been meaning to go see these for ages! You've inspired me to get out there!! x
I hope you get to see them all 🙂
Fantastic! Were going to be in london for a couple of hrs and wld love to see these
If you pick just one trail you can see a lot in a few minutes.
I got the kiddy ones (Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, etc.) but no idea about the others. My reading tastes are probably too low-brow to work them out. 🙂
Most of the ones here are children's books and actually not that high brow, once you see the titles. f you click on the link and then choose the 'benches' tab you can quickly see which ones you didn't know.
No.1 looks remarkably like Charlie & Lola…!
Same author/illustrator. The Clarice Bean books by Lauren Child.
What a brilliant project (I spotted Peter Pan!)….. an so colorful. I am back from my blogging break. Hope you had a fab summer! X
Good to have you back. I popped over for a read. X
I will be thinking of you this weekend… What great compensation that you can have more weekends like this perhaps. I hear where he's going to University is super nice for weekend's too you know! (: x
Yes, Dougie and I are looking forward to some romantic breaks. I'm sure Rory will be delighted if we turn up in Devon. Yoo Hoo!! X
PS. Love the benches! (:
I only have two thoughts here Trish……is there some sort of subliminal childrens books/son leaving home vibe going on perhaps? and WHAT BAG???? x
Must admit, when is was taking the photos I assumed the benches were all children's titles. I think it was because most of the benches in the riverside trail were kids' ones. Honest!
Oh yes, the bag. Can't believe you're the only one to ask. Made by Fossil, tan leather.
http://www.fossil.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=32553&langId=10&catalogId=25005&categoryId=453644&cm_vc=453644&pn=&productId=22456369&imagePath=ZB5462206