The Walkie Talkie

Black and white photograph of the Walkie Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street) in London

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Photo details

Location: 20 Fenchurch Street, London

Camera: Nikon D810

Lens: Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8

The story behind the Walkie Talkie

The Walkie Talkie is a curious building. Seen from the side (say from down the river at Blackfriars) it seems imbalanced, with its bulbous head on a too-thin body. Head on, though, it’s a different matter.

From Fenchurch Street, the building is both powerful and elegant. That sideways-on imbalance gives it a looming presence as you stand beneath it, with the compressed roof line adding the impression of a devilish face.

This was an unintended shot. I had been shooting around Leadenhall Street and the Lloyds building and was heading south towards the Thames. I reached Fenchurch Street, to discover the conditions were perfect. The sun was out of frame away to the right, leaving the front of the building in a lovely even light. The clouds were whispy and detailed, my absolute favourite type. I couldn’t be happier with how this one turned out.