When I took this picture the world’s most famous political address was on its previous coalition government. 1974.

That address is 10 Downing Street, London, SW1.

Today, Britain has a new coalition government, and while my interest in politics compares unfavorably to my interest in bilge water, today’s UK government cannot possibly be any worse than the one in force when I snapped the picture below. That one saw me immigrate to the US. I doubt the current one will have me return. But I wish them well.

Number 10, 1974. Leica M3, 35mm Summaron, TriX, D76, 6.5 minutes @ 68F

It was as perfect a day in London as one can imagine. Spring. The Tube to Green Park, a stroll through that park and St. James’s Park up Pall Mall to Horseguards’ Parade, and thence to Downing Street, before crazies dictated security and bomb proof jackets. The Leica. One click. The picture.

A different time, a different world.