"Protect the best of the past; strive for quality today; plan properly for the future."
Do you care passionately about the city and its built environment? Then here's an organisation for you. The London Society was founded way back in 1912, setting its sights on "advancing the practical improvement and artistic development of London". A century on and the society almost disbanded through waning interest.
Such an outcome would have been deeply unfortunate at a time when London faces so many challenges from a rapidly growing population. The Society was recently recalled to life by a new, energetic committee chaired by Peter Murray of New London Architecture. It is keen to enthuse more Londoners about their city.
The Society arranges talks, walks and site visits to help Londoners get a handle on conservation, development and planning issues in the capital. Upcoming events include a debate about building on the Green Belt (7 October), a supper at the little-known London Sketch Club (22 October) and a conversation between an artist and architect on the development of the city (29 October).
Members also receive editions of the Journal of the London Society — the latest edition (pictured) contains some bloody good reads, including a piece on London's unique relationship with maps, and a look back at a book from the 1920s that predicted the future of the capital. You can join now for an annual membership of just £25, and follow on Twitter via @LondonSoc.
