My footsteps echo across the floors of a gallery that seems nearly empty of people or art. Yet as I wander the gallery, I am mirrored by swarms of people that seem to flurry across the walls. From behind the glass of orderly, and often rather small, black and white photos, jubilant masses rush towards me arms raised, sometimes alongside grim-faced placard-carrying companions, while in others children play amidst rubble, friends embrace, and couples kiss.
"We realised that the real battleground was the media. The usual channels were not working, and a much punchier approach to endangered buildings was needed."
At 9pm, 83 historic landmarks, including Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral, illuminated the night in red, white, and blue to commemorate Britain's victory over Nazi Germany.