It took some persuading to pin Chris down to a date for addressing CoL&CPS, but it was worth it: we really enjoyed his potted life history - starting with a picture of him in the bath, aged nine months - as an introduction to how he became the successful professional photographer and graphic designer he is today.  Not many of our visitors have come to photography via a PhD in Chemistry, nor do they all have such a wide range of photographic activities, from portraits, magazine work, documentary journalism, events and personal projects. Chris won a competition to design a logo for the community organisation which became Citizens UK, nearly twenty years ago and has been their official photographer ever since, also designing their annual reports and publicity material. Many commissions followed, but a few years ago he decided to consolidate his skills by doing an MA course at the London College of Communication - he gained a distinction and said that he feels his approach to his work reflects what he learned in that year.
There had been considerable interest expressed by members about such courses and it was very helpful indeed to hear in detail how this worked for Chris. He talked us through each of the three full-time terms and showed us examples of his assignments and final project.  For this, he carried out an in-depth study of the production of Harris Tweed in the Scottish Highlands, photographing the surrounding landscapes which inspire the colours and textures of the cloth as well as the different stages of production. We all registered that not only did this involve tuition fees, but also the cost of materials, travel and accommodation - most students on the course were self-financing and Chris carried on working throughout the course.There were plenty of questions for Chris and a lively discussion rounded off the evening - judged in the pub afterwards as being very enjoyable and useful.

Clerkenwell owes it's origins to the supply of fresh water for drinking wells, and we did manage to visit two refreshment spots on our tour.

Alan Ainsworth led us through the area's history starting with the medieval  religious foundations and St Johns Gate which stands in an impressively large square.  Moving north we covered how the area became populated by artisans and craftsman, and today there is still a legacy of a concentration of architects and design showrooms.  Clerkenwell Green in the early 20th C was a gathering point for left-wing thinkers, and retains a number of very attractive buildings. 

Probably the most popular point for photographs was Finsbury Health Centre, a striking modernist concrete and glass construction.  A couple of people manage to zoom in a catch the yellow lights shining through it's opaque glass panels.  Last stop was the Spa Green Estate - Modernist social housing.  Although the light was fading John Murray captured this shot of it's distinctive decoration. If you're interested in 20th C architecture it's really worth visiting. 

It's fascinating the breadth of history, architectural styles and photo opportunities you can cover in 1½ hours on a week day evening.   There are more pics from the walk on our Flickr site.