by James Balston | Jan 3, 2019 | Cinemas, Leisure, The Triangle SE19, Uncategorized
I went to the cinema last night. Not unusual I know, except that in Crystal Palace, until recently, the last time you’d have been able to visit the cinema, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Where Eagles Dare were on general release. In 1968, the Rialto on Church Road... 
by James Balston | Apr 26, 2018 | Architecture, Crystal Palace, Heritage, Leisure, The Triangle SE19
Exciting local news as Crystal Palace is to regain a cinema it lost back in the 60s. I had the immense privelege to gain access in order to record the interior before building work commences. You can read and see more on my local blog... 
by James Balston | Apr 14, 2016 | Architecture, Art, Brighton, Colour, Crystal Palace, Decoration, Design, Gardens, Leisure, Lighting, London, Parks, Shops, Still Life, The Triangle SE19
About a year ago, I succumbed to the lure of Instagram, or Instacrack as it’s sometimes referred to. It’s certainly highly addictive, but also a very useful way for photographers, designers and other creatives to get their work seen. Once in a while I post... 
by James Balston | Sep 11, 2015 | Apartments, Architecture, Cityscape, Landscapes, Leisure, London, Parks
The much promised Indian Summer has been a little sporadic to say the least, so on sunday I determined to may the most of the glorious sunshine, and go and explore a rapidly changing corner of London. Before the millennium, chances are, the only reason you might have... 
by James Balston | Jun 16, 2015 | 1960s, Architecture, Churches, Crystal Palace, Heritage, Leisure, London, The Triangle SE19
Outside the confines of South London, many people have quite likely never heard of Upper Norwood, and if they have, would struggle to place it exactly. But if I referred to my local neighbourhood by its other name, eyes will light up. Crystal Palace, as it is better... 
by James Balston | Apr 23, 2014 | Architecture, Cityscape, Contemporary, Gardens, Landscapes, Leisure, London, Parks, Travel
One of my biggest disappointments of recent years, is not having attended any events at London 2012. For a few weeks that summer, it was as if all else was on hold. The build up had been so long and intense, with all the usual rows and cynicism that are part of our...