LONDON UNITED + Photographed by Alan Parker 

Introducing one of our newest HOUSE photographers, Alan Parker, we present his incredible collaboration for London HOUSE Studio entitled, ‪#‎LondonUnited‬. We are telling a story that has not yet been fully realised. It is a declaration of peace, in real time.

London United is an ongoing photographic endeavour celebrating the diversity of the people of London whilst encouraging deeper communication and social unity. 

We love contributing to the cultural tapestry which enriches our lives and binds us together as Londoners.

We choose to embrace unity, that which binds us all as human beings...

#LondonUnited + MARK & LISA

LHS: Who are you?

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + SARAH

LHS: Who are you?

SARAH: I am a song, a choreography, a monologue, a sheet music, a sunflower, a cloud. I dream as big as I smile. I love as much as I breathe. Twenty seven year old woman from Paris!

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

SARAH: It was the first time I san in London. I was invited as a guest by two composers to sing one song at the Hippodrome Casino in October 2013. The way they welcomed me, the kindness of the other guests (West End Shows), and the conversation with the audience after the show, people offering me accommodations, telling me that I should move to London. I felt at home, respected and included … So, I decided to come and live here! Now I’m in love with this city. 

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + FRANCOIS

LHS: Who are you?

FRANCOIS: I aim to be an everyday storyteller. In my writing, my painting and even in my day job as a marketing manager. I want to know the story behind the man sitting next to you on the tube, or the woman crossing the road staring at her phone. We all have a story, but we rarely tell it.

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

FRANCOIS: My first Christmas day in London. I woke up in a quiet, white, deserted city. I went for a walk, and the sensation was incredible: for a few hours, I was London, and London was me. That sensation faded, but never went away.

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + ALYA

LHS: Who are you?

ALYA: I'm an Egyptian born, London raised writer. I believe that everything is temporary. I believe in always trying your best. I believe nothing beats good friends and good food. I am a traveller, a foodie, a lover, a friend. But I will not be taken lightly. I believe in truth and beauty and in finding the common space in the middle.

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

ALYA: Carnival, every August, when the bass makes the ground shake, and everywhere you look are beautiful smiles united with a love for the music and the feel good vibes that permeate. 

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + JADE

LHS: Who are you?

JADE: A 21 year old creative, artist and Northerner living and finding myself in the big city of London. I’m a closed book at times but my intention is only to judge a character before letting them in, this goes back to my childhood. I’m drawn as a storm, often not thinking before I do or say, creating a character for my self subconsciously which people have grown to love.

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

JADE: Every time I meet people like myself I feel more and more united with London. Growing up in a small town I felt lost and on another wave length. My culture was stripped from me when my dad left, so coming to London and discovering my heritage was an experience I never thought possible. I’m now united with people that have fulfilled me and shaped me.

Photographed by Alan Parker

LHS: Who are you?

HOLLY: I’m a 20 year-old musician and fine artist and challenging beauty standards…

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

HOLLY: I first felt united with London last year. I’d just started spending a lot of time here because of work, I decided to go to a jam night. Me and my guitar, I know nobody, walked into one of Camden’s UnderSolo, I played for two hours with a room full of strangers and left with a room full of friends.

Photographed by Alan Parker

+ LILLIA

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + HOLLY 

LHS: Who are you?

HOLLY: I am a sparkly eyed, spotty socked, inky skinned, Bjork listening, fire-spinning, booby loving, Wes Anderson watching, word writing, colour obsessive!

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

HOLLY: I felt united with London when I first met my girlfriend - a Welsh bird and an Italian bird exploring the city and seeing it through fresh eyes…

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + MITCHELL 

MITCHELL: I am a wannabe creative. I suppose ‘who I am’ and ‘who I would like to be’ are two different things. I would like to call myself a writer, a poet, a painter. Ultimately, I guess that is who I am; a wishful thinker.

MITCHELL: I am currently doing a project painting the prostitutes of London. I guess seeing that less well-known side of Life in London, the small cash-in-hand apartments, the networks of friends who all eat in little-known restaurants and split bills with crisp 50’s… I guess seeing that side of London life makes me feel a part of something bigger.

#LondonUnited + LING LING

LHS: Who are you?

LING LING: I am a simple girl who came to London with a dream.

LHS: Can you tell of a specific moment when you felt united with London?

LING LING: I felt united with London when I watched the fireworks on New Year’s Eve (December 2014) because lots of people are together to make a wish for the New Year. This is the first time when I felt I was connected with London.

#LondonUnited + SERENA

LHS: Who are you?

SERENA: I am a student, mixed race, music lover and a lifelong lover of London (living with imperfections)

SERENA: When I started college, I had to commute to Bond Street station daily, and I always savoured the moment I’d emerge from the underground and be greeted by the bustling hub that is Oxford Street. It did (and always will) make me so glad to live and belong in London.

Photographed by Alan Parker

#LondonUnited + JOEY

JOEY: I am an artist, illustrator, designer… full time Londoner

JOEY: When I was at “Reclaim the Beach” party circa ’08 (maybe ’07). It was a free party under Southbank. Free Love. Londoners everywhere. (Steep playing Skream - midnight request line)

Photographed by Alan Parker