I spent the morning wandering round Whitechapel, so much more densely built than Stepney, still with its tight nineteenth-century street formation. I particularly admired the work that the Spitalfields Trust has done in regenerating the streets off New Road – Turner Street, Walden Street and Varden Street – where the small artisans’ houses have been spruced and gentrified:-
New Road itself has Gloucester Terrace with late eighteenth-century houses with Coade stone on the door surrounds:-
I liked the Christmas door surround in Parfett Street:-
The Whitechapel Bell Foundry has good detailing on its façade:-
I ended up admiring the new Rachel Whiteread detailing on the frieze of the Whitechapel Art Gallery:-
And the terracotta ornament on the façade of the Passmore Edwards library next door:-
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
I have been enjoying your exploration in the East End of London where I used to live. Your excursion to Spitalfields in particular was evoking my memory: as you know I lived in Elder Street for about three years with Raphael Samuel, and I explored the area almost everyday. It was sometime ago now, but I still fondly remember the time I lived the area.
Dear Toshio, Glad to know you’re still following the blog. Happy Christmas ! Charles
Dear Charles,
I am a dedicated reader of your blog and want to let you how much I have enjoyed your posts as well as your photographs over this past year.
More often than not, after reading a posting, I will open Google Maps – Street View to see the entire building or streets to take a virtual tour for myself. Thank you for sharing these “off the beaten path” views of the various parts of London and other places you have visited.
I look forward to another year of enjoying your blog.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
All the best,
Jocelyn
Thank you. Much appreciated ! I’ve enjoyed doing it. Charles