There are few things better than a summer evening in London.
As the sun set over Brixton on Monday evening, members, supporters, trustees, partners and friends of The London Society gathered at Upstairs at the Department Store for our annual Summer Party.
Hosted by Squire & Partners in one of south London’s most celebrated examples of creative reuse, the evening brought together people from across London’s civic, cultural and built environment communities, alongside Londoners who simply care about the future of the city.
One of the things that makes The London Society special is the variety of people it brings together. Architects, planners, local government leaders, campaigners, students, developers, historians, journalists and lifelong Londoners all found themselves sharing stories, ideas and perspectives over drinks and canapés.
In an age where so many conversations happen online, there remains enormous value in creating spaces where people can meet face-to-face, exchange ideas and build relationships. Some conversations focused on housing, transport and the future of London’s neighbourhoods. Others explored culture, heritage, public space and the changing character of the capital. Many were simply opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
Guests also enjoyed guided tours of the Department Store, gaining insight into the transformation of this former Edwardian department store into a vibrant workplace, cultural venue and community hub. The building itself provided a fitting backdrop for an organisation committed to helping Londoners understand how the city evolves and adapts over time.
As an independent civic society and charity, The London Society exists to help Londoners understand and shape their city. While talks, tours, publications and campaigns all play an important role in that mission, evenings like this are equally valuable. They remind us that cities are ultimately about people and that some of the most interesting ideas emerge through conversation.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us, Squire & Partners and Henry Squire for their generous hospitality, and photographer Bini Nandra of Kreative Barn for capturing the evening so beautifully.
We hope you enjoy the gallery below and look forward to welcoming you to future London Society events.
