"FACTS NOT OPINIONS!" bellows the famous pediment above Kirkaldy's Testing Works on Southwark Street.
It's a smart and succinct motto for an organisation devoted to engineering and measurement — of course, that's just my opinion. We could all learn something from this doorway. Its message is as important now as in any bygone era.
The door is one of those 'urban oddities' that London does so well — unusual street features that go unnoticed by most, but are gleefully photographed by others.
It's not the only doorway with a message in London, however. Here, we round up a few other favourites.
Doors of wisdom
This side entrance to St Helen's church beside the Gherkin is much photographed, largely because of the ever-present and contrasting orange scooter. The doorway also bears scrutiny, for it supports the motto: "Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will never pass away". It's a quotation from the gospel of Matthew who, sadly, is not the patron saint of mopeds."The health of the people is the highest law." This Cicero quotation is front and centre of the Walworth Clinic, which opened in 1937. This excellent article gives a fuller account of its aptness. It's a message that should have resonance today, as the government must weigh up the effects of pandemic restrictions.These Nunhead alms houses will ensure you can't get a certain James Bond theme out of your brain all day.And here's another earworm for you. Next time you're in Covent Garden, take a look at the market pediments and you'll see the phrase "Che Sara Sara" which, as Doris Day would tell you, means "whatever will be, will be". It's the motto of the Dukes of Bedford and the Russell family, owners of the land. The Russell family do not like pigeons, it would seem.I'm not quite done planting songs in your head just yet. This Madonna lyric is a bit of a cheat, as it occupies the door itself rather than the pediment, but I couldn't resist. Find it on St Thomas's church Southwark (near the Shard).You have to sneak round the back of Bart's hospital to see this doorway inscription. It reads "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do - do it with thy might". No prizes for guessing it's another biblical reference, this time from Ecclesiastes 9:10.Round the corner, look up high on the Old Bailey to see the message: "Defend the Children of the Poor & Punish the Wrongdoer." It's an apt quotation from Psalms 72.And to end on a lighter note, the Palace Theatre in Soho looks back to its illustrious past while gazing optimistically into its future
