The temperature has risen a few degrees so that it is not quite as bitingly cold as it has been recently but the sky is grey and cloudy.
Sainsbury’s
We shopped this morning at Sainsbury’s as usual and returned home for a leisurely lunch.
Cloudy skies in Penton Street
After lunch, we set out on foot along Penton Street.
Path through the estate
We went down this path through a housing estate. These paths are supposed to be reserved for pedestrians (as the iron barriers indicate) yet we frequently encounter cyclists on them with the consequent risk to life and limb.
A “cliff of dwellings”
We passed this residential block of a design that I have described as “a cliff of dwellings” and we wondered what it is like living in one such. Is it noisy? I can imagine it might be, especially in summer when people open their windows.
The Thornhill Arms
We passed this pub called the Thornhill Arms. I would guess it dates from the late Victorian period, say the 1890s.
Wharfdale Road
This is one of the backstreets we passed through, this one being called Wharfdale Road.
Lounge, Premier Inn
Photo by Tigger
We found a branch of the Premier Inn hotel chain and went in for coffee. When I went to the bar to order, I was directed to a coffee machine to serve myself! (I still had to pay for the coffees, though!)
Continuing on, we came to the King’s Cross area and the entertainment and cultural centre called Kings Place. Round the outside are a number of sculptures, some of which we had seen before and some that were new to us. Below is a selection.
Ark: High and Dry (2917)
Jon Buck
Some pieces, like this one were abstract – or perhaps I should say “non-representational”. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned or simpleminded (or both) but I find it hard to relate to such works. If art is supposed to be expressive, it is hard to see what such works are trying to express.
Fish on a Bicycle (1997)
Steven Gregory
Whether the intention is humorous or serious, you can at least see what it is and it has a no-nonsense title.
Breakout II (1992)
Bryan Kneale
As I don’t know what to say about this one, I won’t say anything!
Boar II (1999)
Terence Coventry
This is representational though stylised, perhaps to give an impression of the strength and vigour of the wild boar.
Sitting Couple (1989)
Lynn Chadwick
There were two works by Lynn Chadwick, the above, which we had seen (and photographed) before and a second (below) which we had not previously seen.
Stairs (1991)
Lynn Chadwick
I have to say that I like Chadwick’s sculptures. They have a mysterious aura about them and a definite presence. With the Sitting Couple, for example, I almost feel that when I stand in front of them, they are aware of me. Curious but fascinating.
Battlebridge Basin
Regent’s Canal
Kings Place is beside the Regent’s Canal and its Battlebridge Basin, which adds something to its character.
Granary Square
Walking on once more, web passed through Granary Square
Camley Street Natural Park
Further on, we had a view, this time across the Regent’s Canal, of the Camley Street Natural Park that we had visited during our New Year’s walk.
St Pancras Lock
We passed the St Pancras Lock and on this occasion there was a barge in the process of going through it which is always fascinating to watch.
St Pancras Old Church
We walked through the grounds of St Pancras Old Church. This was once the church’s burial ground but has now been renamed St Pancras Garden though the remaining tombs leave no doubt as to its nature.
Waiting for the bus
As we had met our walking target for today, we felt justified in taking the bus for the journey home. There is a bus stop conveniently located in front of the church where we had a bus within a few minutes.
Aboard the 214
We boarded a number 214 bus which carried us past St Pancras and King’s Cross Stations and up the hill back to the Angel and home.
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