Hansom

Model behaviour

London architect Sheppard Robson’s Christmas reception doubled as the opening of its exhibition at London’s Building Centre. Entitled “Scale”, the exhibition featured photographs and models of the practice’s buildings, with the photographs reproduced in postcard format. Visitors were invited to take these away – an offer that was gratefully taken up, with many guests cramming them into every spare pocket. Made nice Christmas cards, I suppose.

Tackling crime

I hear that Richard Beevers, Capita Symonds’ marketing director, is a useful fly-half. I also hear that he demonstrated his prowess at his works Christmas lunch, when he and technology consultant Sam Samuels brought a laptop thief to book. While they were tucking into the turkey, Samuels and Beevers spied a well-dressed man making off with said computer. A French Connection-style chase then ensued down London’s Farringdon Road until, after a lung-busting surge, Beevers caught up with the suspect. There followed a textbook shoulder-first tackle and a swift frogmarch back to the bar, where the suspect was remanded to the toilets until police arrived. Said the heroic Beevers: “I think he was quite surprised.” What a man.

Wheeler dealing

Well done to Colin Wheeler, whose work you can see below, for getting a place on The Independent’s list of the 12 best contemporary cartoonists. According to the Indie, Wheeler is “Bitter … and sharp as a razor blade ,” which is what we on Building have been saying for years … well, bitter anyway. Absent-minded too, given that The Spectator and Private Eye are cited as repositories for his acidic penmanship, but there’s no mention of this esteemed journal.

New year, new calendar

This year I’ve been sent a bewildering selection of calendars: Laing O’Rourke, has, ironically for a free calendar, chosen a trees of the world theme; Mivan has gone with inspirational images and proverbs, such as: “A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step”. But pride of place must go to Royde & Tucker and the exciting world of architectural ironmongery …

Here today…

Poor old Martin Tidd, Multiplex’s new UK managing director, who started his job just before Christmas. I’m told he’d barely had time to unbutton his coat before he was whisked over to Australia for the full corporate brainwashing thing. In fact, his departure was so quick, I’m not even sure he had time to pack his trunks.

The prince and the Peabody
Prince Charles seems to be back to his old trick of criticising modern architecture. This time, however, the “monstrous carbuncle” in question is the Peabody Trust’s high-density, low-energy BedZed development out in the south London boondocks. Apparently, he “loathes” it. Anyone who’s been to Poundbury will know that high densities and energy-saving technology are not really Charles’ thing. It was probably fortunate for the Peabody Trust’s designers, therefore, that Charles clearly didn’t view BedZed’s setting as enough of “a much-loved and elegant friend” to intervene.