Tomorrow evening, Wednesday 29th May 2013, at Forman's Fish Island Gallery, London, there will be a special charity auction to raise more funds to complete the memorial to those who died and suffered as a result of the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster of 1943.
Bethnal Green Tube Disaster of 1943 - Personal records & newspaper cuttings at Forman's Gallery, London |
It has taken decades for a memorial to be planned and funded, as a central point to commemorate the disaster. Until then, stones were sometimes used to commemorate the dead. However, not all survivors could afford such a stone, if for example, austerity prioritised feeding their family and children. The memorial is part completed. Fewer survivors now remain. Called Stairway to Heaven, the aim is to have the memorial finished for next year.
The photographer, Mike Pattison, has a superb selection of 1970s East End images on display, some for auction, some for sale, showing a way of life and a range of characters which have all but disappeared, now that the area is being regenerated.
Mike Pattison's record of a bygone era - photographs of 1970's London East End |
I have donated one of my fine art pictures, 'When the Last Tree . . .' The organisers have described the picture as having an 'ethereal' quality, and it will be auctioned on the night. There will also be the iconic Aladdin Sane album cover image, by David Bowie's photographer, Brian Duffy, as well as fine art work by Terence Donovan and other artists, all going under the hammer. Mayor Boris Johnson will be there to get things moving, so it promises to be a spectacular night!
Wednesday 29th May Viewing 6.30pm
Auction starts 7pm £20 to include 2 drinks & canapes
Forman's Fish Island Gallery
Stour Road, Fish Island, London E3 2NT
More information about the Stairway to Heaven Memorial is on the Facebook Bethnal Green Memorial
page HERE