Distinguishing Character: In Search of the Eccentric – Philip Sallon
What happens when you put a miasmic mix of cultures from all over Europe and the rest of the world onto one island? Well, we could look at one place in particular…
Over the last five centuries the British Isles has stewed and distilled into a bizarre nation with outlandish traditions and people. The word ‘eccentric’ is something distinctly associated with our inhabitants.
The eccentric character is readily recognisable yet undefinable. Being eccentric isn’t considered a condition, nor a diagnosis. Sure, you can specify traits: creative, idealistic, curious and non-conforming; but the eccentric is more than the sum of their parts.
From the third century Roman Emperor, Elagabalus, who served guests gem stones for dinner, to Albert Einstein going sailing when there was no wind; every era throughout recorded history has its fair share of eccentric behaviour. But what made Britain, and in particular London, the epicentre of eccentricity? And, the real question here: do those considered eccentric see themselves as so?
LONDNR went on the hunt of eccentricity to uncover some form of answer. What we returned with was more questions than when we set out – and an enthralling video series that captures our interactions along the way. Without further ado, let’s look at who we spoke to for this episode…
Club promoter, event organiser, icon of style and innovator of fashion, a socialite active since the ’70s, Philip Sallon is a living London legend. From the Mud Club nights to the New Romantic movement, Sallon can be considered quite the authority figure on our exploration of eccentricity and what it means to someone frequently labelled as such. Wearing nothing but a shopping trolley wheel over his crotch his near physical nakedness mirrors a personal nakedness. His compelling anecdotes and personal beliefs shimmer throughout the piece.
Find the video below:
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