Locals know that Streatham has a thriving arts scene but fewer are aware how the area became such a sanctuary for artists.
Emma Fleming from The Streatham Society was able to put The Vale Living residents in the picture with a recent talk.
The Romans were believed to be the first to establish a wooden structure across the Thames but it was in medieval times that work began on a stone ‘London Bridge’. Its fortunes fluctuated in the centuries that followed. In 1559, the founding of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank began to encourage those with artistic leanings across London Bridge. It was still the only crossing in the centre of London. The next bridge, at Westminster, wouldn’t be built until the 1700s.
People began to settle, the community grew and spread further south. By the 1930s, Streatham and its surrounding area attracted the well-heeled to its Art Deco mansion blocks. Shops, restaurants and places of entertainment followed. It soon earned the name ‘the West End of London’. The opening, in 1929, of The Streatham Hill Theatre was also a boost. It hosted top-tier opera, ballet and variety shows – and its magnificent foyer with its sphinxes, angels and marbled floors would rival a Las Vegas hotel.
The local night club The Locarno changed its name several times over the years in the 1970s The Cat’s Whiskers, 1980s The Studio, 1990s The Ritzy and finally Caesars. It took its place in Streatham’s artistic and musical history, hosting acts from Charlie Chaplin to The Rolling Stones.
Let us not forget the grand cinemas, like The Regal. And, of course, the artists of the ice who dazzled at our famous ice rink.
All of these made their contribution to Streatham’s buzzing arts scene. It continues to this day through our galleries, theatres, performance and dance schools and The Streatham Festival.
Emma’s talk prompted a good few memories amongst our audience. Chatter of nights spent, mis-spent and remembered continued over a jolly lunch and well into the afternoon.
Emma Fleming is a qualified guide and often does themed walks around the local area, including the sites of our famous arts venues. Further information is available on The Streatham Society website at: https://www.streathamsociety.org.uk