Hidden under the main road outside the Crystal Palace is a marvel of Victorian engineering, and now a film has been made about the people who have used it.
Built for 1st class passengers taking the train to visit the Crystal Palace, before that edifice’s untimely demise in flames, the subway has spent most of its life unused and now increasingly derelict.
It did however have burst of activity, such as when it was used as an air raid shelter during WW2.
Filmmaker Sue Giovanni worked alongside local people on a year-long project to research the history and personal stories of this hidden space subsequently completing a new 50 minute documentary ‘What remains, the ruined subway at Crystal Palace’.
The film highlights the passion local people have for the subway and charts how their involvement has been integral to the history of the space.
There will be a screening of the film on Friday 26th August — which will be followed by a panel discussion led by local artist and filmmaker Sarah Turner whose films include ‘Public House’, a film about the Ivyhouse pub in Peckham Rye.
Tickets are free – and can be booked here
What remains, the ruined subway at Crystal Palace – trailer from Sue Giovanni on Vimeo.
In related news, the Friends of the subway have raised enough money to reinstate a gate and safe access to the subway and the work is nearly complete. They don’t have a completion date yet but the new access will be used for Open House 2016.
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FRI 26 AUG AT 19:00, LONDON
What remains, the ruined subway at Crystal Palace
By: Friends of Crystal Palace Subway
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Event Description
Crystal Palace subway exists in splendid isolation, unseen beneath a 4-lane stretch of the A212; the buildings it served to join are both lost.
Built to impress, newspapers of the time reported with much fanfare and poetic description that the subway was open.
Filmmaker Sue Giovanni worked alongside local people on a year-long project to research the history and personal stories of this hidden space subsequently completing a new 50 minute documentary ‘What remains, the ruined subway at Crystal Palace’.
The film highlights the passion local people have for the subway and charts how their involvement has been integral to the history of the space. ‘What remains’ examines the effect that such a beautifully designed and crafted fragment of Victorian construction can have on the people that come into contact with it.
Sue lives locally where she works in post-production on artists’ and community projects.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion led by local artist and filmmaker Sarah Turner whose films include ‘Public House’, a film about the Ivyhouse pub in Peckham Rye.
Anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
View film trailer
Audience feedback
“The film was superb, beautiful – I keep thinking about it”
“Brilliant film about CP’s little secret!”
“Both fascinating and entertaining”
“Keep an eye out for a repeat showing!”
WHEN
Friday, 26 August 2016 from 19:00 to 21:00 (BST) – Add to Calendar
WHERE
V22 Louise House – Dartmouth Road Forest Hill, London, SE23 3HZ – View Map
TAGS
Things To Do In London Screening Community