The Limehouse
district on the River Thames: a place with a history that’s steeped in
adventure, trade, art, and intrigue. Where the lime and opium-laced air once formed the backdrop to the ferment of England’s golden era of world trade, and where Sir Walter Raleigh set sail on his third voyage to the New World.
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Little wonder it’s
a place that has inspired artists and writers. Francis Bacon lived here, where “the constant interplay between the great
expanses of the sky and water creates the impression that one is on the edge of
a limitless world.” It was the hub of the artist’s legendary entertaining - and where he infamously first met his
great love and muse, George Dyer, when he broke into Bacon’s house as a
burglar.
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| Francis Bacon sitting on his deck by the River Thame / Photo collage by Peter Beard |
The Limehouse
district also captivated the young Charles
Dickens, who walked its streets over 40 years. In the opening chapter of his
novel, Our Mutual Friend, he wrote fondly
of Narrow Street’s historic pub, then called The Bunch of Grapes as “a tavern
of dropsical appearance…[reminiscent of] a faint-hearted diver, who has paused
so long on the brink that he will never go in at all.”
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| Reflection by Max Patté |
Today, the Limehouse district is home to Ian McKellen, who
continues its vibrant lineage of artistic endeavour. In 2011, Ian acquired a sculpture by British-born
artist Max Patté, and installed Reflection
at his Limehouse residence. The figure looks down into the River Thames, deep in
contemplation of the river’s past, present and future. In 2013, Ian added to
his collection the sculpture Another Time
by Anthony Gormley. Installed in the
River Thames, this work was “designed to be placed within the flow of lived
time.”
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| ZZZ's |
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| Installation view of the Haze series |
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| Close up view of Into Oblivion |
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| Into Oblivion |
It was an absolute honour and pleasure working and hanging out with Ian. The dream-like experience revealed a spirit and passion that truly resonates with his legendary achievements.
Photos: Peanutbutter Vibes Photography and myself
