23 JUNE 2025 23 HAZİRAN UK RICHMOND NORTH SHEEN VISITING

The next day, I went to Richmond. I was so excited and cheerful. I love Richmond because of green parks and pleasant areas. We have good relatives in Richmond/North Sheen. Our relatives are Mary and her sons Kaan,Okan,Hüseyin and Kaan’s girlfirend Gisella (Albenian). We took overground train to go there. This train has 5 coaches.Richmond has a large park and this park is so lovely. We were in Willesden Green and took the train from there.

This is the Richmond Shell Mex House. The building in this photo is the historic Shell Mex House (now known as Eighty Strand) in London. The building is located on the banks of the River Thames along Victoria Embankment (Traffic Street) and is particularly recognizable by its large clock face. Originally built in 1932 as the headquarters of Shell Mex & BP, it was designed in the Art Deco style.
The building has a total of 12 floors and also has basements.
The clock faces are one of the largest in the UK, at 7.62 meters in diameter; they are only 0.02 meters larger than the clock faces on the Liver Building.
The clock was supplied by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon.
Four hieratic (upright) marble statues, sculpted by William Charles Holland King, surround the clock face.
The building was built on the site of the historic Hotel Cecil, between the Adelphi and the Savoy Hotel.
British architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described the building as “inert, yet it has a presence of its own on London’s riverfront.”
The building is currently a Grade II listed building, meaning it is a protected historical landmark.
Following Shell Mex & BP, it was later used by Shell, and later leased to companies like Pearson.
The building holds a prominent place in the city’s skyline, both for its architectural style and its clock face overlooking the Thames.
The clock was also known colloquially as the “Big Benzene,” a reference to Shell’s position in the chemical industry.
The building’s classic Art Deco details and large clock make it a popular attraction for both architecture enthusiasts and visitors to the city. This building, which houses offices on the banks of the Thames, combines both a nostalgic, period atmosphere and modern commercial functionality.
As a result, this building stands out as a monumental landmark reflecting London’s historical fabric. Isa there and I really love there. Because; it seems good and nostalgic.

1. Nestled in the heart of Richmond, this picturesque alley adorned with floating umbrellas has become a beloved hidden gem for both locals and tourists who stumble upon it while exploring the historic riverside town.
2. The hanging umbrellas, displayed in a vivid palette of red, white, and blue, are a nod to the Union Jack, subtly celebrating British identity in a playful and visually captivating way.
3. This charming installation injects a sense of wonder and whimsy into the otherwise traditional architecture that lines the alley, blending old-world charm with modern creativity.
4. The alley itself is home to a mix of independent shops, artisan boutiques, and quaint cafés, making it not just a visual treat but also a lovely spot to explore and shop at leisure.
5. Richmond is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, leafy riverside walks, and village-like feel, and this alley mirrors that spirit with a contemporary twist.
6. The umbrellas, strung up like festive bunting across the narrow passage, cast colorful shadows onto the stone pavement below, creating a delightful play of light and color.
7. Though relatively small in scale, the alley has grown in popularity due to its Instagrammable aesthetic, becoming a favorite backdrop for photoshoots, date strolls, and casual wanderings.
8. It’s a fine example of how temporary street art or urban decoration can enhance public spaces and bring attention to areas that might otherwise be overlooked.
9. Richmond’s local council and small business owners have embraced such creative interventions to stimulate foot traffic and support the area’s vibrant local economy.
10. This umbrella display is often seasonal or thematic, sometimes changing colors or arrangements for different holidays or cultural events throughout the year.
11. While Richmond already boasts attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Richmond Park, this alley adds a lighter, more playful layer to the visitor experience.
12. The umbrellas offer more than just shade — they transform the narrow alleyway into a canopy of curiosity that draws people in with its cheerful and surreal atmosphere.
13. For families with children, the floating umbrellas add an element of magic that makes the simple act of walking through a street feel like part of an adventure.
14. The installation also reflects Richmond’s growing embrace of public art and creative placemaking as a means to celebrate community and culture.
15. On sunny days, the bright umbrellas contrast beautifully with the blue sky, while on cloudy afternoons, they bring needed vibrancy to grey London weather.
16. Many visitors are surprised to find such an unexpected burst of color in a traditionally upscale and historic borough like Richmond, which makes the moment feel even more special.
17. The umbrella street has inspired local artists and photographers, and has even been featured in various blogs and travel guides as a “must-see” corner of the borough.
18. Tucked between centuries-old buildings and modern shopfronts, this space encapsulates how Richmond continues to evolve while maintaining its quintessential charm.
19. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee, exploring boutique stores, or just wandering with curiosity, this alley captures the joy of urban discovery.
20. Ultimately, this umbrella alley in Richmond serves as a beautiful metaphor for London itself — a city where history, creativity, and daily life meet under one colorful sky.
21. I saw there in Richmond for the alleyways. I love because of colourful umbrellas are so charming and enjoyable. Such a wonderful design…

This is Mary’s house in Richmond/North Sheen. mary is my best friend in England/London. We had a fantastic and joyful time together. We played alphabet game, “Where is the stuff?” game and talent show. We drank tea, coffee and eating dinner all together. We loved this day so much. I sang a one song which named “Black Love(Kara Sevda) from Barış Manço. Okan showed one theatre performing act and Kaan and Hüseyin made a magic show for us. They made some magic tricks and used some formulas. My mother and father sang one son g which named My Dear Donkey (Arkadaşım Eşek) from Barış Manço. Our friend Rusky was n ear to us and sometimes barking. It always near to us. We had a funny movements. We played raffle bingo and I won. I won both raffle bingo and the talent show. Perfect! Then left the house and say goodbye to our friends. We took the bus and went to our house at night time.