London Panorama from St Paul’s Cathedral
“Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner that I love London so. Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner that I think of her wherever I go. “Hubert Gregg, English songwriter, BBC broadcaster, author and stage actor. (1914-2004)
I read this post from Monica’s Tangled Web and immediately was transported back in time to 1951. This was shortly after the Second World War ended and Britain and her people were badly in need of some cheering up.
Large areas of London were still in ruins and redevelopment had hardly begun. The powers that be thought a festival would give Britons a feeling of recovery and progress. Labour Deputy Leader Herbert Morrison one of the instigators of the Festival, described it as a ‘tonic for the Nation”.
“As we look forward to the year 1951, each of us can share in the anticipation of an event which may be outstanding in our lives. The motives which inspire the Festival are common to us all – pride in our past and all that it has meant, confidence in the future which holds so many opportunities for us to continue our contribution to the well-being of mankind, and thanksgiving that we have begun to surmount our trials.” King George VI, 1949
The south bank of the Thames was decided as the perfect place for the Festival as large areas had been demolished during the Blitz and building began to take shape. Much was written and told about the wonders. And to a very young girl they were wonders.
I clearly remember the Skylon. A futuristic-looking, slender, vertical, cigar-shaped steel structure seeming to float above the ground. All that held it in place were those thin wires. We all thought it was magical.
But it was controversial with some claiming it to be dangerous and apparently, questions were asked in Parliament regarding the danger to visitors from lightning-strikes to the Skylon, and the papers reported that it was duly roped off at one point, in anticipation of a forecast thunderstorm.
I think the Dome of Discovery was the centrepiece of the Festival and it dominated site. Together with the needle-like Skylon it became the instant visual symbol of the Festival.
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret rose attended the opening of the Festival with 14,000 invited guests. The Festival was opened to the public the next day. Here is a British Pathe recording of the day. It’s very crackly but if you can ignore that it really is a piece of history.
The Festival was a resounding success even though some criticised the event as a waste of public money. The South Bank exhibitions attracted 8.5 million visitors in five months.
In spite of its popularity with the public, the cost of dismantling and re-erecting the Skylon elsewhere (£30,000—£642,979 as of 2011) was deemed too much for a government struggling with Post-War austerity.
The exhibition was dismantled in 1952 and the Skylon was removed and common lore has it that it was thrown into the River Lea. However, after a public outcry it was revealed that both the Skylon and the Dome of Discovery were dismantled and sold for scrap. In any event a truly ignominious end to such symbols of our future.
And this year the 60th Anniversary of the Festival of Britain is being celebrated. According to the Guardian Newspaper “To pay homage to the event that helped usher London and the rest of Britain out of the postwar doldrums, the Southbank Centre is hosting a four-month jamboree boasting everything from gardens sprouting from the concrete buildings to a museum chronicling the original festival.”
How clear it all is in my memory. And how exciting for the young children who had known only the deprivations of living through a war. Suddenly there were celebrations and excitement. Wonderful.
“But now the days grow short, I’m in the autumn of my years and I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs. It pours neat and clear. It was a very good year.” So sang Frank Sinatra – It was a very good year.
July to October, 1940 was won by sheer fortitude in refusing to accept defeat.
As a child I thought living during a war was the norm.
Sounds like it will be a fabulous event. I hope you can attend.
No I wont be there as I live on the other side of the world.
I would love to go to that festival! So much history!
I will just have to read about it in newspapers.
So sorry you won’t be able to attend. When was the last time you were in England? Do you still think of it as home, or do you feel very attached to Australia? Enjoyed reading about this event.
i haven’t been back to England in about four years. The hassle of travelling seems to be too great. By the way I am in New Zealand not Australia and I often still do think of England as home. Strangely though when I am there I think of NZ as home.
That’s right, you are in NZ. Don’t know why I said Australia!
I’ve a vague recollection of something on the South Bank left over from the Festival of Britain, well into the mid-fifties, but can’t remember what it was. I seem to remember something hovering… a hot air balloon or something like that. I wish my own memory was better – yours is amazing, Judith!
i don’t remember anything hovering over the South Bank but do remember the opening by the King and the Dome and the Skylon.
Perhaps and when “I get a round toit” I will do some research into the Festival and then maybe I will be able to answer your question.
Judith
What a great post – thanks for sharing and educating (me, anyway!).
Thanks, too, for visiting my blog. Looking forward to reading yours. Just read the comments above and have to note that a friend of mine just returned from a few weeks in Australia – it’s a small world!
Hmmm … actually just read your “Meet Judith Baxter” page … looks like you’re actually in New Zealand. And, with that said, a friend’s daughter spent a semester there last year and loved it. A visit there is on my bucket list.
i am new to the blogging world having only been at it for a little over 6 months but am really enjoying ‘meeting’ people like you and reading all the blogs.
Thanks for the comment.
You tell it well and I am glad that Britain is past that terrible period… Pity they trashed the Skylon and Dome of Discovery…. 🙂
It was a decision by a parsimonious group of ‘men’ in Government. What great icons they would be now. 🙂
I love reading your blog, about the places you’ve been, the things you’ve experienced. Thank you so much for sharing these with us.
It really is all ramblings of an elderly mind. But I do appreciate your comment thank you so much.
What a lovely idea to celebrate the anniversary of the festival. It will be a great lead-in to the 2012 Olympics.
Did you live in London during the war or were you one of the children who were whisked away to the countryside?
Hi Jacquelin. Yes, I did live in London during the war. Mother would not allow us to be evacuated. Many years later she told us that if we were going to be killed we would all be killed together.
What amazing memories. I loved the 1950’s footage of the event and the man-made sun. I wonder what ever happened to that sun. I am glad you and your family lived through the war years and can tell the tale.
The only thing left of the Festival is the Festival Hall. This is still used for concerts and events.
Thanks for the comment..
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