The Tower of Babel – Shop of the Day 146
Brixton, Coldharbour lane. This off licence has had a history of combining booze and art with artworks outside the shop. I like looking up the origins of the names of roads – it reinforces the fact that these streets have been walked for centuries by people just like us. A “cold harbour” was an uninhabited shelter for travellers, often along a well-known route, somewhat similar to a modern bothy. Unlike an inn, there were no staff, food or drink to be had. There would be a roof, door and possibly a simple hearth, although it was the traveller’s responsibility to gather fuel. They were generally little more than open-faced barns or animal shelters.
©Barnaby Barford 2014