London's South Bank: The History

What if the South Bank, which already holds London’s centre of gravity, also held the city’s soul? London’s South Bank explores this theme by concentrating on the modern period – from 1600 to the present day. First it examines the social and topographical fabric by taking snapshots of the area under review at different historical periods – 1600, 1770, 1845, and now. This gazetteer, accompanied by reconstructions, maps and historical images, is a work of reference which underpins the book’s investigation. Each of the four neighbourhoods which make up the South Bank are scrutinised with the aim of discovering their character, all of which are surprisingly different. Finally, the last chapter maps out possible answers to the quest announced in the Prologue. The ‘Eye of London’ chapter at the beginning of the book, sets the tone of this volume; it investigates the key role played by the South Bank in creating an image for London – from the earliest sixteenth-century prospects in the hands of northern European artists to the work of contemporary artists, famous or little known. The volume never misses an opportunity to showcase the work of artists, old and new, who do so much to make us see and understand our city.