London’s role in shaping and developing technological, cultural and social advances is to be the subject of the second Story of London season.
This year’s season will run between 1st-10th October and is sponsored by a number of organisations including the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.
Support for the event, which is once again being promoted by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, will also come from museums in the capital including Museum of London, the London Transport Museum, Greenwich Heritage Centre and the Geffrye Museum.
More than 100 events are expected to take place, with City Hall officials saying one aim of the season is to “raise the profile of cultural attractions throughout the city” both to Londoners and visitors to the capital.
Announcing the season’s dates and initial details of events, Mayor Johnson said: “London is a city where around almost every corner there has been a great Eureka! moment. Full of pioneering bright sparks in every field, there are hundreds of stories to be discovered. From the inventor of the incandescent light bulb to surgical techniques, from beer making to fashion and digital art, London continues to play a crucial role in every sphere of human activity.”
“The Story of London is about invention, ideas and exploring the city. Who knows, you too might be inspired to instigate the next big thing”
Confirmed highlights include a look at the legacy of Jimi Hendrix at the Handel House Museum and talks by leading figures including environmentalist Sir Crispin Tickell, musician Billy Bragg and architect Sir Terry Farrell.
The season will also look at the history of social housing in the East End and tell the stories behind the Blue Plaques which adorn houses and buildings within the capital through events produced by community groups and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London, said: ‘From central boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Camden and Islington, to Sutton in the South, Havering the East, and Wandsworth in the West, it’s fantastic to see Londoners young and old, from inner and outer boroughs, getting involved and interpreting this years theme of Innovation for a second exciting festival programme.
Museum of London director Professor Jack Lohman said the museum would be displaying “dramatic images of a London affected by climate change” as part of the season.
Prof. Lohman added: “Like postcards from the future, familiar views of the capital have been digitally-transformed by architectural illustrators GMJ. They bring home the full impact of global warming, food scarcity, rising sea levels and how all Londoners will need to innovate to survive.”
Further details can be found at www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon