Picture News 3
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Routemaster retrospective
End of the line
From Friday 9 December, this quintessential London scene will disappear forever as the last of the capital's veteran red Routemaster buses reach the end of the line.
On that day the last Routemaster route - the 159 running from Streatham to Marble Arch - will convert to modern double-deckers, and barring two tourist friendly 'heritage routes', the 53-year old buses will be gone.
Images: Ralf Obergfell and Jet -
Routemaster record
Photographers Ralf Obergfell and Jet have spent the last year capturing the RoutemastersÂ’ swansong for their website, LastStop!
Combining still life, portrait and documentary images they hope to provide a unique record of the buses and the interaction between drivers, conductors and passengers.
For Ralf, the project is the culmination of a long-held fascination for the buses and their classic design. For Jet, whose father was a bus driver, their demise represents the passing of a constant object in her life. -
'Design landmark'
"The Routemaster is an icon, a landmark known all over the world," says Ralf.
"As kids growing up in Germany, we were fascinated by the music, the clothes and the designs coming out of England. The Routemaster was part of that."
"The bus is beautiful, it looks great on the eye. It's a shame no-one has designed a new, modern one as Britain is so well known for its industrial design." -
'All aboard'
Another familiar London sight - people running to catch a departing bus - will be no more with the withdrawal of the open-backed, jump on-and-off Routemaster.
Many Routemasters are being replaced by articulated 'bendi-buses', which offer improved accessibility to disabled people and parents with pushchairs.
But the buses' demise has prompted a strong backlash from some, with a number of 'Save the Routemaster' campaigns and petitions launched. -
In safe hands
With the retirement of the Routemaster another London icon - the bus conductor - will also pass into history.
Although ticket machines like the one pictured have long been replaced by modern electronic versions, conductors like Kathy are regarded by many as a protective presence against crime and vandalism, as well as a source of information and help.
"I often built up a rapport with conductors while I was working," says Ralf. "Some would even introduce me to the passengers and explain what I was doing." -
Changing times
Routemaster conductors will be offered redundancy packages or retraining as drivers when the buses are taken out of service.
"Most conductors are quite sad about leaving the job," says Ralf. "For some, they have been there 10, 20 years ... it is their life.
"Others are glad it's coming to an end, as the job has got much harder. People are more abusive and there is less respect." -
Retirement options
Although Routemasters may no longer run in revenue-earning service, their chugging presence is likely to endure for many years to come.
When they leave service, the buses are usually sold on to private companies and enthusiasts.
A retired 'RM' can expect either a restful retirement receiving plenty of TLC, or an active old age as a promotional tool for a company eager to exploit their global image as a symbol of London. -
Symbol of London
"When we were out on the street, we would sometimes meet bus-spotters collecting numbers. But we were drawn to the bus as a landmark of London, says Ralf.
"I feel like I learned a lot about London. It won't be the same again."
Images: Ralf Obergfell and Jet. -
Everyday colour
In 1948 photographer Keld Helmer-Petersen published a book entitled 122 Colour Photographs which established his reputation as an artist. Subsequently his work became central to modernist Danish design and architecture. (All photos: © Keld Helmer-Petersen / Chris Boot) -
Following the publications of his book he worked for a brief time for Life Magazine before returning to Copenhagen to concentrate on his architectural photography. -
Photographer Martin Parr says "Helmer-Petersen had been taking images of details of ordinary life since 1940, using his Leica and Agfa Colour film. These deceptively simple images were really ahead of their time." -
Today his work is held by a number of institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and his contribution to the development of colour photography is now being recognised by the art world. -
23 Colour Photographs, an edition of Keld Helmer-Petersen prints is published by Chris Boot (www.chrisboot.com) and can be seen at the Rocket Gallery from 9 December 2005. -
AP - Tue Dec 6, 2:59 AM ET
Workers take measures to protect large sand sculptures in Sanya city, south China's Hainan Province Monday, Dec. 5, 2005. More than 100 artists from home and abroad gathered here to make their sand sculptures for the first Phoenix Island International Sand Sculpture Festival that falls on Dec. 18, 2005. (AP Photo /Xinhua, Huang Ju) -
Reuters - Tue Dec 6, 2:37 PM ET
The Brussels' Town Hall is reflected in a giant sphere, as a part of Christmas events, at the Grand-Place in Brussels December 6, 2005. REUTERS/Thierry Roge -
The day in pictures - 7 December 2005
Filipino dancers join a parade celebrating the country's sporting success in Makati, south of Manila. -
Romanian health workers have renewed their efforts to combat the spread of bird flu. -
A German cathedral unveils a portrait of the late Pope John Paul II. -
Iraqi supporters of imprisoned former leader Saddam Hussein call for his release in Tikrit. -
Palestinian policemen search a smuggling tunnel next to the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza. -
The Songhua river in China, scene of a recent pollution crisis, has frozen over in cold weather. -
AP - Wed Dec 7,11:49 AM ET
The ancient Acropolis Hill is seen during sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005. Moderate weather in the Greek capital has seen temperatures of around 20C, or 68F, in the past few days. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) -
AP - Wed Dec 7, 9:01 AM ET
A member of 'Crusty Demons', a team of motorcycle riders from Australia, performs a stunt at a press preview in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005. 'Crusty Demons', who were originally formed in California, USA, and are known for pioneering the 'Freestyle Motocross', will be performing here on Dec. 10, 2005. (AP Photo/Gautam Singh) -
AFP - Wed Dec 7, 5:17 PM ET
Celebration of Champions : (AFP/Jose Jordan) -
AFP - Wed Dec 7, 6:59 PM ET
Parade in Baghdad : (AFP/Ahmad al-Rubaye)