A Vulliamy moment to share…
All eyes will be on London this weekend, and it’s looking very handsome I must say.
Among the most iconic and most photographed images of the Thames are the dolphin lampposts that line the Albert Embankment.
I see them in movies, I walk past them often: always in the background but always there.
There’s a nice close up here.
They were designed by my ancestor George Vulliamy – ‘Cast Iron George’ – in 1870. He was also responsible, less romantically but vitally, for designing London’s great iron drainage system that literally underpins the city.
So next time you’re in town and you spot one, give a dolphin’s nose a little stroke from me.
Wow, that is very exciting Clara – how lucky for you to have a personal connection to those very lovely dolphins – we always stroked them whenever we were down by the river. And will do again, next time we’re lucky enough to be there
Hello Zoe, how lovely to think you’ve noticed them!
Yes, please do; what a brilliant thought. That bit of London, along the South Bank, used to be very grotty but now it’s a really nice place to be.
I’ve always lived within walking distance of the river when I’ve been in London, and I’ve always LOVED those dolphins. What a very distinguished family!
Well thank you, Elli, very much for saying so!
I feel we should have a walking day around London, don’t you, seeing all these various sights we’ve been discussing over the last few weeks?
I must dig out my (bad) sketch I did of these dolpins Clara. They are one of my favourite things ever in the city of London
What a fantastic link and what an illustrious family. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it?
Hello James, how lovely of you to say so! I would LOVE to see your sketch (bad? I find that hard to believe…) and if I showed it to my folks it was cause a riot of excitement.
I hope your very busy weeks are going well; is it the Hay Festival any minute?