With the countdown to the diamond jubilee on, Clips and Footage are excited to represent Michael Gower’s footage of a West London street party for the ’77 jubilee. An anniversary is always a good time to reflect on the past and this colour footage beautifully illustrates a nation at the end of an important decade of British history. It is full of very British scenes: red, white and blue homemade bunting, signs and flags decorate this Fulham street whilst the younger residents appear an array of homemade costumes and take part three-legged race.
What is especially fascinating about this footage is the community spirit it depicts as a group diverse in age and ethnicity come together to celebrate their monarch. As the residents both provide and enjoy the wide range of entertainments such as dancing, a DIY bar and a hefty helping of sandwiches, there is a real sense of neighbourliness which seems unknown to many London streets today.
