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A Flow of Words, Somerset House, London
Subterranean spoken word in the Dead House
(Photos ©urban75, 15th May 2010)
A superb neo-classical building situated between the Strand and the River Thames, the current Somerset House dates back to 1775.
Formerly the home of the Inland Revenue, the Principal Probate Registry and the General Register Office, the site has enjoyed a comprehensive restoration programme.
The Courtyard has been transformed into a bustling public space, hosting open-air concerts, films and contemporary art and design exhibitions, and other events.
We popped down to see 'A Flow of Words,' a spoken word event with Romesh Gunesekera, Writer in Residence at Somerset House, novelist Pauline Melville and poets Jamie McKendrick and Mimi Khalvati reading new commissioned stories and poems inspired by River Sounding.
The staircase inside Somerset House.
Inside the 'Dead House.'
Romesh Gunesekera introduces the readings.
The first reading - a Thames ghost story.
Several old gravestones adorn the walls - and give the place its name of the 'Dead House'.
Grave stone dating back to 1674.
The lightwells underneath the square.
Steps back up to the large public square.
Grave stone in one of the enclaves.
All around the light wells were sound and visual installations.
A young girl takes a soaking underneath the fountains in the square.
Somerset House photos and features:
» Somerset House feature, 2008
» Free Time In The Courtyard, 2006
» Somerset House panorama, 2004
» Ice skating, Somerset House
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