As many of us are now working from home, we are getting familiar with the background scenes in the video conferences that we use to connect remotely with our co-workers — complete with clutter, cats, half-naked co-habitees, etc… and there are plenty of amusing screen grabs of these being posted online. To avoid this, some people are using virtual backgrounds for their video calls — often images of places that they can’t actually go to now.

So for a change, we thought we would post images of some of the actual places that UAL students and staff can go to on their daily walk/run/cycle (depending on their situation of course — some people have to shield themselves indoors, and some countries have harder lockdowns — in which case you may have a special peaceful place in your home). Send your pictures to the chaplains and we will post them here (latest at top).

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Statue of Gandhi in the calm centre of Tavistock Square, WC1
Kyran Joughin,  CCW UCU Branch Secretary

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Roses, Caenthos, & Gingko (with earrings)
Alison Wallace, Wimbledon Library Assistant

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Shielding at home
Louise Higgs, UAL Art Psychotherapist

The Lily of Lockdown
Oh beautiful Lily, heaven scent
Of sweetness, sublime
My journey you accompany,
Alongside clock…marking time

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Neighbour’s garden with cheery blossom
Lesley Wilkins, LCC Staffing Administrator

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Bluebell Wood, Bounds Green
Marie Kan, UAL Head of Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy

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The Round Pond, Kensington Gardens
Soon-han Choi, UAL Chaplaincy Associate Faith Advisor

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Anti-hysteria with wisteria, St John’s Wood
Mark Dean, UAL Chaplain

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Fairy street with tree ferns unfurling,  London N4
Nicky O’Donnell, CSM BA Ceramics student

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Blossom in Morden
Alice Bloom, Wimbledon Academic Support Librarian

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Regent’s Park
William Whitcombe, UAL Lead Chaplain

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Bluebell Woods
Lou Ratcliffe, CCW Head of Finance

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