New Year, New Life

By jenpedler

1984 - a book about town

This intriguing bench appeared in the shadow of Sentate House, in Torrington Square, opposite the entrance to Birkbeck where I work.
An accompanying notice explained that it's a 'BookBench' "part of a trail of 50 uniquely designed benches. Follow the trail to discover London's literary connections and celebrate reading for enjoyment."
The event is apparently taking place from 4 July - 15 September. Then, on 7 October the benches are to be auctioned to raise money for the National Literary Trust. So it's a bit like the elephant trail and the egg hunt that we've had in previous years.

A bench in the shape of a book, especially one that's meant to be celebrating reading, is crying out for people to sit on it and do just that but the question is does sitting and reading constitute climbing? "THIS SCULPTURE IS A WORK OF ART AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU CLIMB ON IT", shouts the notice.

Senate House was, of course, the model for the Ministry of Truth in 1984. Intrigued to find out what other books are depicted so must look out for some more now.

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