On Robert Elms' BBC London radio show last week there was some discussion of the 'lost figures of Lewisham'. Back in the 1980s there was a clock in Lewisham shopping centre featuring these figures, which apparently were revealed on the hour.
The figures represented 'Characters of South East London' and were designed by the artist Sam Smith (1909-1983). Not sure exactly when the clock was removed, but on the radio show a couple of people came forward and revealed that they had independently salvaged a couple of the figures - if more can be found maybe there can be a reunion in the shopping centre!
The figures represented 'Characters of South East London' and were designed by the artist Sam Smith (1909-1983). Not sure exactly when the clock was removed, but on the radio show a couple of people came forward and revealed that they had independently salvaged a couple of the figures - if more can be found maybe there can be a reunion in the shopping centre!
Robert Elms' show is one of those threatened by cuts to BBC local radio. I can't imagine any other radio show running an item like the above, but the point is not just about keeping Robert's show going. The issue is whether BBC London is going to have any meaningful London content at all. Cheap generic shows are no substitute for programmes knowledgeably informed by what is happening in London, its history and its present - and reflecting the fact that London is not just Westminster and the City but places like Lewisham and New Cross.
There is a Save BBC Local Radio day of action on December 1st, including a 6 pm protest at Broadcasting House.
(photos courtesy of Robert Elms' facebook page, posted by listeners)
4 comments:
They were Spitting Image-esque figures, very much of their time. We used to stand and wait with our small daughter till they appeared. Happy days! I seem to remember that when the Riverdale was first built, there was some talk of the interior being designed by the same people that designed one of the big liners.
I used to love these figures. I still remember the tune they played as they turned around! Used to make my mum wait until they appeared every time we went shoppng. Childhood memories!
I remember these too from my childhood! What a great trip down memory lane seeing the picture here. The shopping centre had its first major refurbishment round about 1990, and I seem to recall that the figures were removed then.
NB: Check out the Beautiful South's video for 'I'll Sail This Ship Alone' which includes some shots inside the shopping centre!
I remember the figures as well, I was the same, always made my mum wait until the figures were ready to come out! And I remember the the tune that played along to them as well, I sometimes catch myself humming it to this very day. Its amazing how our childhood memories stay with us.
BRING BACK THE FIGURINES OF LEWISHAM
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