Going back to the Festival of Britain in 1951, the South Bank has, architecturally, been constantly changing to reflect the times and styles, but this anniversary year will reflect all that has been part of the Southbank Centre’s history and cement its place as a gateway to the arts and cultures of the world, writes Michael Holland.
The launch was kicked off with Skate 50, a celebration of when skateboarders first appeared on the concrete space under the Queen Elizabeth Hall and made it their own. An exhibition depicts those early skaters through photos, text, and film of skaters skating, talking, chilling, and falling off their boards.
The Undercroft space became a magnet for London skaters, but soon attracted people from all over the world. And not just skaters but graffiti artists too.
Skate 50 is on until 21st June and has ‘pay what you can’ ticket prices of £0, £4, £6, £8 (suggested), and £10. Skateboarders can enter for free by bringing their skateboard.
Up on one of the many terraces, resident organisation Kinetica Bloco were providing music and dance for visitors. In attendance were a multitude of press, queueing with cameras and microphones, waiting to interview (Anne Jones (aged 84); John Laing (88) and Brian Everitt (82), who actually went to the Festival of Britain.
Anne Jones remembers an exciting day of ‘travelling in by bus from Epping Forest with a couple of siblings and a recently demobbed father, still angry at Hitler, Churchill’s war policies, and the horrors of the D-Day beaches.
With money short, the family took sandwiches and water for their day out, but Dad was able to buy the children an ice cream each: ‘Exorbitantly expensive, at least one shilling and sixpence!’ recalls Anne. She also remembers the Skylon, ‘this strange object which towered above me,’ she says, adding, ‘I thought it was remarkable; representative of newness and hope, and I think it regrettable that it was not preserved.’ The Skylon is only remembered now by a restaurant in the Centre that bears its name and its image as a logo.
Events of celebration will continue throughout the year. Check the website for what’s coming.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Full details: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/our-75th-anniversary/
