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?