Dr Richard Dennis: London's Enthusiastic Analyst

Posted in London on Tuesday 2nd March 2004 at 10:00pm

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Took the long way round to London, which is just about the only economically viable way if you haven't planned a few weeks in advance and want to travel on a weekday morning! In fact, the route via Salisbury to Waterloo is not really much longer in terms of time, and is a pleasant enough journey in many ways. Arrival at Waterloo is often going to be far more convenient than Paddington too.

Arrived, feeling better than for several days but still a bit feeble. Set out, leaving Waterloo by the grand main entrance (not something I do often!) and then over the Thames in bright sunshine. Wandered a bit, arriving in Gower Street and finding UCL's Darwin Theatre in good time.

The purpose of my trip was to attend Richard Dennis' lunchtime lecture - "George Gissing - London's Restless Analyst". The talk was well attended, and notable guests included Robin Woolven and Pierre and Helene Coustillas. Richard expanded on his 'Prejudice against Flats' talk from the Gissing Centenary Conference, giving a more general view of GRGs movement around the city in relation to the social status of the areas he inhabited, finding many parallels in the movement of characters from the novels. The talk was also well illustrated, particularly with excerpts from the Booth maps. Again, a pleasure to hear Richard speak, and wonderful to see his unbounded enthusiasm for Gissing still growing!

A little more wandering after the lecture, but didn't feel up to much heroic exploration. Tried to get a trip on the North London Line (and thence to Waterloo via Richmond) but was thwarted by a gas leak at Kensal Rise. This scuppered my plan of getting a quick look at Kensal Green - another vast Victorian cemetary, my second this week morbidly enough! Instead, found myself wandering through comfortingly familiar grounds at Clerkenwell. Stopped for a pint at the City Pride, then headed for Waterloo via The Drain. Had a quiet and pleasant journey home. Feeling pretty exhausted now. Resolved not to do anything tomorrow.