Big Issue vendor George picked to feature in I Am London exhibition

Big Issue vendor George Anderson has been chosen as one of the 60 ambassadors of London for a new project from Historic England.

I Am London reflects the diverse range of people who call the capital home, each captured in a spot that is important to them.

Big Issue vendor George Anderson's official #IAmLondon portrait.

George, who used to work for the NHS in Glasgow, fell homeless after moving to London when he lost his job and his family lifeline. Now, he is a well-known and very popular figure at his Big Issue pitch outside the BBC HQ at Broadcasting House.

“The top of Regent Street at night, where All Souls Church, BBC Headquarters and the Langham Hotel form a junction is the best place to show people the real London,” says George, pictured left at his favourite city spot.

George from @BigIssue chose five words to sum up London, which would you use?#IamLondonhttps://t.co/AKiWZBWsxy pic.twitter.com/5GUGXVtAD5

— Historic England (@HistoricEngland) July 19, 2016

“Rough sleepers use All Souls Church, wealthy visitors stay in the exclusive Langham Hotel and the BBC represents the pursuit of truth and integrity – for people not only in London and the UK, but also worldwide.”

Other individuals featured in I Am London include Professor Lord Robert Winston and AC Grayling, with a final space remaining for one more Londoner. Could that be you?

“The buildings and places that make up London are as much a part of the city’s DNA as the people who live and work in it,” adds Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England.

George pointing out to customers that he features in this week's @BigIssue talking about the #IAmLondon exhibition! pic.twitter.com/4ruiKPzJWO

— Big Issue (@BigIssue) July 17, 2016

“In fact, the fortunes of London’s people and its places are inextricably linked. If we lose those historic places, we lose London’s identity.”