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This is the archived website of the Waterloo Festival 2021 with additional material from Waterloo Festival 2020. We hope you will enjoy exploring this cornucopia of arts, heritage and community creativity. For the current website, visit here.
explore
from 2021
Waterloo Festival Team
Jul 19, 2021
University of Westminster + Coin Street Over 50s Art Group: RESPAIR WATERLOO
In June and July 2021, work created by members of the Coin Street Over 50s Art Group was displayed at St John’s. The pieces responded to...
Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 23, 2021
#Festivalcast: The Waterloo Shot Tower
The Shot Tower stood nearly 200 ft tall on the river front by Waterloo Bridge for nearly 140 years until the early 1960s, an...
Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 7, 2021
Hart Club and 'Respair'
Hart Club designed the ‘Respair’ logo for the Waterloo Festival site. This word, ‘respair’, seems very appropriate for our current moment...
Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 4, 2021
Meet our sponsors: MyLondonHome
MyLondonHome is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Waterloo Festival at St John’s Waterloo. For many years, MyLondonHome has worked...
Waterloo Festival Team
May 25, 2021
“The Scene Below Can Be Imagined…”
The Shot Tower at the Festival of Britain of 1951.
Waterloo Festival Team
May 18, 2021
Claude Rogers OBE (1907-1979)
The London Group (TLG) is teaming up again with Waterloo Festival over two exhibitions at this year's edition, later in June. We both...
Waterloo Festival Team
May 12, 2021
RESPAIR: an installation
An installation project organised by local artists Chris Clarke, Joao Simoes-Brown and poet Kate Miller following a call for postcards of...
Waterloo Festival Team
May 11, 2021
Vanessa Bell (1879-1961)
The London Group (TLG) is teaming up again with Waterloo Festival over two exhibitions at this year's edition, later in June. We both...
Waterloo Festival Team
May 4, 2021
William "Bill" Gear (1915-1997)
The London Group (TLG) is teaming up again with Waterloo Festival over two exhibitions at this year's edition, later in June. We both...
Waterloo Festival Team
May 3, 2021
#Festivalcast: Walking the Festival
An audio-tour of the South Bank site as it looked at the Festival of Britain of 1951. Led by Alan Powers and Elain Harwood, of the Twentieth
Waterloo Festival Team
May 1, 2021
Into The Light
Responding to 'Respair', artists at Morley College have made work that reflects personal and wider cultural responses to the past year.
Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 22, 2021
Respair
An installation project organised by artists Chris Clarke, Joao Simoes-Brown and poet Kate Miller following a call for postcards of Respair.
from 2020
Waterloo Festival Team
Nov 16, 20202 min read
Finding Feibusch: an illustrated talk
On Sunday, 15th November, St John's presented an illustrated talk on Hans Feibusch and his forgotten murals in churches all over London...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Oct 22, 20201 min read
Penny Lecture: Memories of a Lost City
In collaboration with Morley College, we're bringing you an online Penny Lecture! Discover the history of the Cardboard City encampment...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 25, 20205 min read
The Story of Waterloo #11: The Queen's Walk Trees
Jenny O'Neill decided to investigate the history of The Queen's Walk, an avenue of trees planted in the 1970s to memorialise the Civilian...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 23, 20205 min read
The story of Waterloo #10: Edward Henry House
by Oisín Hetherington A historian’s dream would be a time machine – how useful it would be to hop into my Tardis and travel back to...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 23, 20205 min read
Artists in Waterloo #7: Gillian Melling
Throughout the Waterloo Festival 2020, we've been platforming artists who either live in or are connected to Waterloo. Today, we hear...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 23, 20203 min read
The churchyard in Waterloo #5: about campsis and echiums
We're now exploring the Churchyard at St John's Waterloo, its history, its plants and its kind carers. Jonathan Trustram, from the...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 22, 20202 min read
Windrush Day: on this day... (22nd June)
On the 22nd of June 1948, migrants from countries including Jamaica, Bermuda, Trinidad and British Guiana disembarked from the HMT Empire...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 21, 20202 min read
Remembering 'Return to Waterloo' - film review
by Erin Quigley 'Return to Waterloo' (1984), Ray Davies of ‘The Kinks’ departure into directing, establishes itself as a musical drama...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 20, 20205 min read
The story of Waterloo #9: Eurostar, Waterloo International and Holiday in a Box
by Oliver Ramsay Gray of Holiday in a Box On 14 November 1994, the first scheduled Eurostar train pulled out of Waterloo International...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 19, 20204 min read
Coin Street's Young Leaders at Waterloo Festival
Coin Street Young Leaders meet weekly to discuss issues relevant to young people, plan events and activities and get to know each other....
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 18, 20203 min read
The story of Waterloo #8: London College of Printing
by Jenny O'Neill In 1988 I moved into what was once called Princes Meadows – the part of Waterloo around what is now Hatfields and...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 18, 20207 min read
The churchyard in Waterloo #4: Jonathan tells the story of Putting Down Roots
We're now exploring the Churchyard at St John's Waterloo, its history, its plants and its kind carers. Jonathan Trustram, from the...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 17, 20205 min read
Artists in Waterloo #6: Sarah Gray
Throughout Waterloo Festival 2020, we've been platforming artists who either live in or are connected to Waterloo. Sarah Gray is known...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 13, 202010 min read
The churchyard in Waterloo #2: Ideas towards a herb garden in Waterloo
Following World Environment Day, we're now exploring the Churchyard at St John's Waterloo, a historic green oasis in the heart of London....
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 11, 20202 min read
The Story of Waterloo #7: Leake Street
by Robert Montero Located off York Road, Leake Street wasn’t always like this. Set underneath the Waterloo Station complex, it used to...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 9, 20202 min read
Our creative partners #7: Nonesuch Orchestra
Waterloo Festival thrives on creative partnerships, on bringing professionals from the world of arts and music to collaborate with and...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 8, 20205 min read
Okusinza mu Luganda #4: from tiny plant to leafy bush
by Shanon Shah The Waterloo Festival’s support for Okusinza mu Luganda’s 30th anniversary celebrations spanning 2020 and 2021 continues...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 6, 20202 min read
The churchyard in Waterloo #1: Plant Portraits
Following World Environment Day, we're now exploring the Churchyard at St John's Waterloo, a historic green oasis in the heart of London....
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Waterloo Festival Team
Jun 3, 20204 min read
World Environment Day #3: the parks of Waterloo
In the run-up to and around the 5th of June, World Environment Day, we'll be exploring our urban environment, the climate change crisis...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 31, 20202 min read
On this day... (31st May): London History Day (with Historic England)
Historic England, the public body which helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment, is today...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 30, 20203 min read
The story of Waterloo #6: What did they do with the old Waterloo Bridge?
The first article in this series (as well as this wonderful monologue) featured the current Waterloo Bridge and the story behind its...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 29, 20204 min read
Waterloo at home #3: Shakers, Fig Leaves and Pineapple Weed - cocktail recipes!
Over the course of a series of features and blogposts, Flux Soup are presenting Waterloo at Home; a sensory journey through a Waterloo...
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![Visit a Space #3: IKLECTIK [OFF-SITE] ART RESISTANCE](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d555b3_10f91f60a5234f7fb784386ba514f118~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_652,h_490,fp_0.50_0.50,lg_1,q_90,enc_auto/d555b3_10f91f60a5234f7fb784386ba514f118~mv2.jpg)
Waterloo Festival Team
May 29, 20202 min read
Visit a Space #3: IKLECTIK [OFF-SITE] ART RESISTANCE
While creative venues and businesses are closed around Waterloo, we want to bring you their work through our digital festival. We...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 28, 20208 min read
Waterloo at home #2: Flux Soup ‘Fanatical Botanicals’
Over the course of a series of features and blogposts, Flux Soup are presenting Waterloo at Home; a sensory journey through a Waterloo...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 28, 20201 min read
Festivalcast on Morley Radio #5: Fanatical Botanicals
This podcast episode, presented by Flux Soup covers the lives of six important figures who lived in the Waterloo area and who were...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 23, 20202 min read
The story of Waterloo #5: Usher the Clown and his Geese
Matt Brown rediscovers a forgotten local hero, with some unusual talents. On 2 July 1818, a gentleman by the name of Usher the Clown took...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 22, 20203 min read
Visit a Space #2: Platform Southwark
While businesses are closed around Waterloo we want to bring you their work and promote their business through our digital festival. Next...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 21, 20202 min read
Our creative partners #4: Rita Says and The Jerico Orchestra
Waterloo Festival thrives on creative partnerships, on bringing professionals from the world of arts and music to collaborate with and...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 19, 20206 min read
Artists in Waterloo #4 - Chris Clarke
Every Tuesday for the duration of Waterloo Festival 2020, we'll be meeting an artist who either lives in or is connected to Waterloo....
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 16, 20202 min read
Green spaces #1: Bernie Spain Gardens
Situated at the heart of London, Waterloo and the South Bank are urban. Yet, a walk around our neighbourhood will unearth several green...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 16, 20201 min read
Citizen-DJ!
The Library of Congress is currently inviting people to test their new exciting website, particularly aimed at audio lovers! This...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 14, 20202 min read
The story of Waterloo #4: Astley's Amphitheatre
For centuries Waterloo has been one of London's most notable homes for entertainment. In 1768 a man named Philip Astley opened his famous...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 13, 20203 min read
Women of Waterloo and Lambeth #3
In this weekly series, we are featuring prominent women in our local community, both throughout history and those shaping our world...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 12, 20205 min read
Artists in Waterloo #3 - Susan Haire
Every Tuesday for the duration of Waterloo Festival 2020, we'll be meeting an artist who either lives in or is connected to Waterloo....
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 11, 20201 min read
On this day... (11th May)
On the 11th of May 1818 The Old Vic, the Waterloo-based but world-famous producing theatre, was founded as The Royal Coburg Theatre. Back...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 9, 20201 min read
Virtual escape rooms!
Today we want to share with you this fantastic article, published recently by Nicolas Rivero for Quartz earlier this month. It will lead...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 8, 20203 min read
The Battle of Waterloo Road
Every year, the 8th of May is celebrated as Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe as fighting against...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 7, 20202 min read
The story of Waterloo #3: The Necropolis Railway
Local Blue Badge Guide Philippa Owen takes us on a virtual tour of one of London's more sinister lost railways... Westminster Bridge...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 6, 20203 min read
Our creative partners #1: Flux Soup
Waterloo Festival thrives on creative partnerships, on bringing artists and musicians to collaborate with and showcase their wonderful...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 6, 20203 min read
Women of Waterloo and Lambeth #2
In this weekly series, we are featuring prominent women in our local community, both throughout history and those shaping our world...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 5, 20204 min read
Artists in Waterloo #2 - Sheila Wallis
Every Tuesday for the duration of Waterloo Festival 2020, we'll be meeting an artist who either lives in or is connected to Waterloo....
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 3, 20201 min read
On this day... (3rd May)
On the 3rd of May 1951 the Festival of Britain was opened by King George VI at the footsteps of St Paul's Cathedral. This was one of the...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 1, 20202 min read
Illuminated River #1: an introduction
Coin Street have been funded by Illuminated River Foundation’s Community Fund to develop and deliver art workshops for young people aged...
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Waterloo Festival Team
May 1, 20202 min read
Visit a Space #1: The Calder Bookshop and Theatre
While businesses are closed around Waterloo we want to bring you their work and promote their business through our digital festival....
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Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 30, 20202 min read
The Story of Waterloo #2: The Canterbury Music Hall
This piece about the Canterbury Music Hall was originally written for the Lambeth North Music Hall Song and Supper Evening in 2015 by...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 29, 20203 min read
Women of Waterloo and Lambeth #1
In this weekly series, we are featuring prominent women in our local community, both throughout history and those shaping our world...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 28, 20201 min read
The story of Waterloo #1: The Ladies' Bridge
Waterloo Bridge, connecting our local neighbourhood to the other side of the Thames, was inaugurated in 1817. In the 1930s, the London...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 28, 20203 min read
Artists in Waterloo #1 - Joao Simoes-Brown
Every Tuesday for the duration of Waterloo Festival 2020, we'll be meeting an artist who either lives in or is connected to Waterloo....
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Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 27, 20202 min read
Meet Hart Club and David Bassadone
For Waterloo Festival 2020 – this year presented online – we worked alongside Hart Club to design our website and commission original...
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Waterloo Festival Team
Apr 27, 20201 min read
Festivalcast on Morley Radio #1: The lost hospitals of SE1
Join Elaine Andrews, Morley College's Librarian, and Sarah Dallas, from St John's Waterloo, as they take us around SE1 discovering our...
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