I was amazed at how bad I was at table football and how seriously it's taken by those who are good at it. At the ex-pat bar I was partnered with my trusty Chinese fixer, Joshua, and being of a similar standard, we were soon out of the competition. Still, a few over-priced beers later and it was a taxi back to my tiny room. I slept really badly which I think was a mix of delayed jetlag and anticipation at meeting Giel.
I met Giel in a new business park where he is installing a large exhibition alongside other European nations with a strong interest in Shanghai's architecture and design. Turns out he's keen for me to be involved as FAR Architecture Network is producing a book about the satellite towns that I am here to photograph and would like me to come on board as photographer. We discussed how I would work independently on my art project whilst shooting some appropriate work digitally to illustrate text in the book. Giel has a number of writers and critics in the design and build field who have contributed alongside a great deal of research material. He seemed to like my previous work (don't people always say that?) and there may be scope to include a section showing a series of images from my art project. It's early days and we've agreed initial terms, which we'll put in writing, but I feel confident we can negotiate as we go along. I've now got access to all their research as long as I credit this in any exhibition/publication I produce and I get to use their office! This will beat working from home as I do back in the UK…
Then I receive an email from a central London architectural space that is willing to show the work for two weeks next year. I email back to say I'm interested and to agree dates and terms on my return. I feel like I've done enough talk and want to get on with making the work. I've decided to go to Thamestown tomorrow (no prizes for guessing the country this is based on) which is described on the official website as 'In pursuit of a wonderful time in classic Europe'
