At the heart of Chelsea
With Michael Allen at his home, the Royal Hospital Chelsea

 Just a short walk from the bustle and hustle of famous King's Rd there is a place that has been at the heart of Chelsea for over 300 years. The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 by King Charles II as a home for retired soldiers and it still fulfils its role in 21st century. I've visited this place many times and often admired the elegant buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren and other architects. On most of occasions sooner or later I end up chatting with some Chelsea Pensioners. What makes my visit special today is that I'm finally going to meet Michael Allen, a former Royal Military Police officer and a proud Welshman who has been living in the Royal Hospital since 2007.

Gherkin Challenge

I made it to the top of the Gherkin – Gherkin Challenge for NSPCC

The Gherkin is 180 m high which makes it over three times higher than Niagara Falls. Iconic building designed by Foster + Partners celebrates 10th anniversary this year. Since 2004 a number of taller buildings have been added to London skyline.

That evening however as I stand in front of 30 St Mary Axe, the building seems to look taller than its 180 metres. I can’t stop thinking that in a few days’ time I will be walking up 1037 steps to the top. It is not about the views or exercise. The Gherkin Challenge is organised annually to raise funds for NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). I can race it up or I can walk it, but every step I’ll take, I’ll take for the kids. Every £200 I’ll raise will help pay for 50 calls made to ChildLine from people concerned about a child’s welfare.

 “London is my home and my muse” – conversation with Sarah Fosse

If you live, work or simply visit London, you can’t escape The Shard. Since it was built in 2013 it has literally grown on me with its 306 metres. It has become a very familiar sight, but I have never seen it before the way London-based artist Sarah Fosse does. In a couple of her amazing paintings The Shard of Glass is portrayed as curvy lines. These paintings are part of Sarah’s ‘wobbly series’ depicting some of London’s famous landmarks and iconic views in a beautiful and unique way.  It may have just been raining, but the puddles in front of The Gherkin and St Andrew Undershaft burst with an incredible palette of vibrant colours and so does the Thames as it comes alive with the reflections of Canary Wharf or St Paul’s Cathedral.

It is in Canary Wharf in The East End that Sarah and I meet in a lovely Italian restaurant. My very first question is about her unique style that I find so fascinating, with its lines and colours. “I used to paint in a more realistic style. I even did portraits once.” Sarah admits openly. “Since I moved here, I’ve spent so much time walking past these tall buildings of glass and steel and being captivated by their distorted wobbly reflections on the river. I loved the reflections and started painting them.  Then I thought I could take it further by abstracting the actual buildings themselves using simplified curving lines.  I love focusing on pure form, vibrant colour and light, but to be honest a lot simply happened through play and experimentation. It is indeed a bit of a childlike approach.  I’ve always been inspired by Fauvism and especially by Derain and Matisse. Like them I’m obsessed with colour, its energy, strength, its potential.  This ‘wobbly style’ has simply evolved. By the way, someone has called it ‘deconstructed divisionism’. ” She adds with a lovely smile.

Conversation with Tony Karpinski about his art and love of London

"I'm like a fly when I'm in London, watching a fast moving city around me in a slow motion" says Tony Karpinski while we are climbing one of the hills in Greenwich Park. "I live just outside London now and I miss the city so when I'm actually here in London I'm just so excited observing people. I don't look for action, just simple beauty. I love people and I love painting them. I don't like painting buildings and I don't like straight lines" He adds with a smile.

I'm trying to imagine this fit looking man in his late forties as a fly buzzing around and taking snaps of people with his camera... We have now climbed up to the top of The Royal Observatory hill and I can't help but tell him about the days when thousands would have come here to enjoy fairs. One of their favourite pastimes was tumbling down the hill. "It was notorious for creating 'sweet disorder in the dress' of pretty girls so there were always some onlookers waiting at the bottom of the hill. I'm sure that if we let your over 80 thousand Twitter admirers know you are here, and if you would like to see this custom re-enacted, there would be many volunteers flocking here" I joke. "Everyone would love to be part of one of your fabulous oil paintings" I add with a sigh as needless to say it is my dream as well.