The Anonymous Widower

Iconic Photos

They’ve just announced the route of the Olympic Torch Relay before the 2012 Olympics.

I know Britain pretty well, but what has surprised me is how many of the stops of the torch on the route, aren’t really that recognisable from the iconic photographs published alongside the interactve map. Obviously, for many cities they have used the cathedral, the castle or an iconic building and for Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Bristol they have used bridges. Liverpool has been indicated by two of the Three Graces. Some though, like Bolton, Hull and Luton have struggled, as they show what looks to be the town hall or some other unworthy Victorian pile that could be anywhere.

The worst is probably Ipswich, which shows an anonymous modern waterfront, that could be anywhere and is easily confused with London Docklands.

Ipswich has three iconic buildings all of which are Grade One listed buildings; Norman Foster’s Willis Building, Christchurch Mansion and the Ancient House.

I’d have shown the Willis Building, as it is one of the few truly great buildings from the 1970s, we have in this country.

May 18, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | Sport, World | Ipswich, Olympic Torch Relay, Photos