Biased and opinionated news.fitzrovia.org.uk Fitzrovia News Fitzrovia News is produced by residents and volunteers and distributed free to all businesses and residential addresses in Fitzrovia Issue 129 Summer 2013 News in brief Legible London signs have been placed at several loca - Midsummer celebrations tions in Fitzrovia by Camden and Westminster councils. The signs are part of a city-wide June and July will feature festivals, fairs, exhibitions, and tours waymarking scheme to aid pedestrian navigation and By Laura Broderick and ties in the area on Saturday 22 encourage walking. Angela Lovely June. A plaque to commemorate For people who would like Charles Dickens’ first London The streets of Fitzrovia will this to see ‘behind the scenes’ in an home is to be unveiled at summer be alive with several architectural practice there will 5.30pm on Saturday 8 June by festivals and celebrations of life be a series of open studios to Lucinda Dickens Hawksley at and work in Fitzrovia. visit. NEX on Newman Street 22 Cleveland Street . The Friends will gather at the are opening up their roof terrace plaque will help historians Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Centre for people to make sculptures correctly identify the writer’s for the last time at 6pm and graphics, WATG on Fitzroy many London residences. Wednesday 12 June to say good - Square are inviting you to create The Bloomsbury Summer bye to the premises which was an animated flip-book and ESA Fete takes place at Bedford opened in 1975. on Wells Street would like you Square on Friday 14 June from There will then be a series of to play table tennis with them — 11am to 10.30pm. Entry is events to commemorate 40 years or just share a cup of tea and Free. since the first Fitzrovia Festival. chat! Camden Council has sub - The Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Also happening on the day is mitted the Fitzrovia Area Association is organising the new street festival project for Action Plan to the Secretary of Festival at its new premises in Great Titchfield Street — a sec - State for independent exami - Goodge Place over the weekend tion of which will be trans - nation. Public hearings will of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 formed into a pedestrianised commence at 10.00am on June and during the evenings of haven on Saturday 22 June. Tuesday 2 July 2013 and take 25 and 26 June. There will be a Local restaurants and cafes are place at Camden Town Hall. photographic exhibition, a book invited to make the most of the Westminster City Council stall, guided walks and a cycle traffic-free street, whilst archi - is to create a new partnership ride (see page 5). tects and designers will explore to manage the West End fol - Following the success of last and enhance the extra space. lowing recommendations by year’s Fitzrovia Trail for the Local businesses and archi - the West End Commission London Festival of Architecture, tects are currently collaborating which published its report in RIBA London, local architecture on the project to programme a May. Children from All Souls School and residents in Fitzrovia were among those practices and associated organi - series of events and activities for Iain Bott (Conservative) at Market Place to celebrate the last of 600 trees to have been planted in sations will once again be organ - the Fitzrovia community and was elected as councillor for Marylebone by the W1W Tree Planting Initiative in May. ising a range of creative activi - visitors to enjoy from 12.00 to Marylebone High Street ward 18.00. J-J Lorraine from Morrow in a by-election held in May after the resignation of coun - + Lorraine Architects, the project the local community together in is holding its summer fair cillor Harvey Marshall . leader of the street festival said: what is set to be a fantastic between 12pm and 3pm. There'll Residents living near the “The Great Titchfield Street event.” be food stalls, games, a tombola, junction of Warren Street and Festival aims to turn the street Fitzrovia Community Centre a petting zoo. Cleveland Street are angry into an urban oasis and celebrate will also hold an open day on The PTA are seeking support about the loss of a healthy tree a ‘Time for Architecture’ by Saturday 22 June (page 3). local residents and businesses which was cut down by bringing the local community On Thursday 27 June opera who can provide a raffle prize, Camden Council because its and architectural practices returns to Fitzroy Square a donation, sell their raffle tick - roots were potentially a threat together. Gardens with a production of ets on their behalf and display a to a nearby building. “We are hopeful that this Carmen by Bizet (see page 3). a poster advertising the fair. Users of Crabtree Fields ‘Masterchef for buildings’ will On Saturday 6 July the Contact the PTA by emailing: open space have accused offer inspiration to spectators Parents and Teachers [email protected] if you'd like to and architects alike, and bring Association of All Souls School help. Continues on page 3...

GIGS est. 1958 The home of traditional Fish & Chips Fully licensed Greek restaurant “One of London’s top fish & chip shops” (Metro, 2013) 12 Tottenham Street 020 7636 1424 2 Comment Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 Fitzrovia News Formerly The Tower established 1973 news.fitzrovia.org.uk Your Letters twitter.com/fitzrovianews facebook.com/fitzrovianews Back in Fitzrovia for the first time in 62 years. [email protected] Lives and deaths on By Brian Jarman 020 7580 4576 His father met his mother as she was dancing Little Goodge Street on a table on a pub in Soho. He was born in an air raid shelter and named after the BBC newsreader Issue 129 Summer 2013 Bruce Belfrage who was on the radio at the time. Published 4 June 2013 My Mother (Clarice Ada Stressing) lived at 2 Goodge He left for Australia when he was ten and hasn’t Place during the 1920s when the street was called been back since – until now, 62 years later. Fitzrovia News is produced Little Goodge Street. It may sound like something out of a film, but quarterly by the Fitzrovia I visited London the other week tracing family his - Bruce Spence has been enjoying the trip of a life - Community Newspaper tory and found that No 2 was missing. Do you know time thanks to his son Gary. His granddaughter Group, and published by the happened to the original house which would have Tash has been working in The George in Great Fitzrovia Neighbourhood been number 2 in the 1920s or are there any pictorial Portland Street. Together with Gary’s partner Association fitzrovia.org.uk records around? Was the house bombed in WW2? Jayson they’ve been touring the country in a (registered charity no. 1111649) My Mother was of German descent and was born Picture by Charles New camper van but the highlight for Bruce was coming 39 Tottenham Street, in Northampton Buildings Finsbury in 1918. Her par - back to London. London, W1T 4RX ents Ethel & Rudolph moved to 2 Little Goodge Street "The thing I remember most was the air raids," says Bruce over a pint in The ISSN: 0967-1404 when my grandfather lost his job, being German in George. "Now I’m amazed at the number of people on the streets." 1918 was not good! My grandfather remained out of His mother Maisie was born in Meard Street, Soho. After marrying his father Editorial Team work for 10 years. Bill, she wanted to move to the country and settled in what was then the sleepy Mike Pentelow: It might have been a Boarding house and I was village of Cranham in Essex. editor and features editor told that before my Grandparents moved in to the As well as doing all the usual sightseeing, Bruce took a trip down memory lane Linus Rees: house my great grandmother lived there. She had pre - and went back to the place he left all those years ago. "It was all farming then," assistant editor viously lived in Goodge Street. says Bruce. "Now it’s all houses. The house I lived in was all different. But things Pete Whyatt: My mother described 2 Liitle Goodge Street as "a keep coming back." news and production editor hovel" next to a dirty bakery... She was dropped by He visited ‘the old man’s pub’ – The Plough - but remembered it being on the Clive Jennings: her first boyfriend when he found out where she other side of the road. One wag in the old local joked that it used to be. He used to arts and editor lived, he was never seen again. come into Central London with his father, a plumber, "to get out of Mum’s hair." Brian Jarman: My mother’s life dropped further when her moth - Then in 1951 his parents and three of his five brothers and sisters left to start a writer and sub-editor er committed suicide there, two weeks later a man liv - new life the other side of the world. He eventually settled outside Adelaide and Barb Jacobson: ing on the top floor also took his life as my grand - worked in the petrol and gas industries. His father and mother never returned. associate editor mother looked after him and was no longer alive to Bruce has wanted to come back before but for various reasons the trips were put Jennifer Kavanagh: give care. off. When Tash got the job in The George and Gary suggested he come over with associate editor My Mother informed me this was all in the them, he knew that now was the time. Jess Owens papers, but she never read the stories during her "He does a lot of work in our shop, and it’s our way of thanking him," says associate editor entire life. Gary. Contributors: These deaths occured in 1936, at which point my John Axon mother's aunt moved her from the area to Highgate. Sue Blundell Her father remained living in Charlotte Place around All in the name of progress Kierra Box the corner from Little Goodge Street Laura Broderick My mother died last month aged 95 and left notes There was a sweet shop called Geerings in Denmark. I’ve never had a satis - Norman Coates and writings about her life as a child. Tottenham Street when I was a kid living in factory reply. I’ve explained that Barbara Corr I have investigated some further history from the Charlotte Street. It was in Geerings that I I’m one of many “Brits” living Julia Cumming Web on the area and the family "Stressing". This sur - used to buy my penny bar of Cadbury’s here that misses his/her Milk Clifford Harper name name might be a corruption of a German name chocolate; sometimes a tuppeny bar if I’d Bar and /or Fruit and Nut etc. I Christina Latham as the whole family changed their Christian names to scrounged an extra penny from my Dad. told Cadbury I was “weaned” Sam Lomberg lose their German identity. How is Cadbury’s chocolate connected on Cadburys and miss it very Angela Lovely I would be interested if you have any further with Fitzrovia? Well, Fitzrovia has under - much. No use. Charles New information on 2 Goodge Place and what happend to gone and is still undergoing many changes, Now I come to the connec - Eugene McConville the house or the family name Stressing. My great not all them welcome. Cadbury was estab - tion between Fitzrovia and Guy O’Connell grandfather's name was Jonah Stressing ( John) and lished 200 years ago, one of the oldest if not Cadbury. Cadbury has been sold Mike Sherrington his wife Maria Stressing, they had twelve children, the oldest chocolate company in the world. to Kraft Foods an American Sunita Soliar only 4 lived: Martha, Emily, Otto (George), and You could buy a bar of Cadburys most company and that is also a very Edward Turner Rudolph (Johnny) my Grandfather. I believe they places around the world – also their deli - unwelcome development in my Sebastian Wayneflete came to the UK in 1898. Some of my information cious chocolate biscuits and hot chocolate eyes, in fact it’s heartbreaking. Kipper Williams comes from the 1911 & 1922 census, however my drink and a wide variety of other chocolate To think that such a famous old mother's notes give it a family twist. products. Yet for some reason it’s not been British company is now owned Printed by: Thank you for your assistance. Mike Sherrington possible to buy Cadburys in Denmark. by Americans. Sharman & Co Ltd, I’ve written many letters to Cadbury and But then unfortunately many Newark Road, If you have any information please write to FN asked why Cadburys products aren’t sold in other British companies have Peterborough PE1 5TD and we will pass details on suffered the same fate. I remem - sharmanandco.co.uk ber how badly I felt many years ago when Dunlop was pur - All Saints Church Margaret Street chased by the Japanese. I know it’s not much use Public editorial going on about the good old Your neighbourhood church as featured in Fitzrovia News, Summer 2010 meetings are held at days. Fitzrovia is not my 7 pm, first Tuesday of A diverse congregation warmly welcomes you to worship with us in the Fitzrovia anymore and sadly every month at catholic tradition of the Church of England with glorious music in one of more and more of it is disap - London's finest church buildings. pearing despite all the protests. Fitzrovia No more Lyons Teashops, pubs Neighbourhood Sunday Main Services that don’t look like pubs, fish Association, 11.00am High Mass and chips shops? Cockles and 6.00pm Evensong & Benediction winkles? 5A Goodge Place, Well I suppose it all comes London W1T 4SD The church is open throughout the week and there are regular under the heading of progress. Subscribe to Fitzrovia services. And I’m just a silly old man For more details please see www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk with a bad dose of nostalgia News for regular or call the parish office 020 7636 1788 who misses his bar of Cadburys! updates: [email protected] If you come new to All Saints because of this advertisement Sam Lomberg, Denmark please tell us that you saw it in Fitzrovia News Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 News 3 Community Centre in Carmen in Fitzroy Square Gardens ... continues from front page Camden Council ’s contractors will be a magical experience of vandalising the gardens search of new identity after unsupervised workers were turned loose with saws and hatchets, cutting down a By Kierra Box A series of ‘Conversation, 25-year-old holly bush in a Coffee and Croissant’ sessions frenzy of destruction. You might have walked past are also planned throughout Camden Council have Fitzrovia Community Centre June and offer you a chance to plans to improve The Warren (FCC) this week – but how view the space, chat about cur - open space on Whitfield many of you have gone inside or rent activities and future plans; Street . got involved? and meet others who live and There will be a public Staff and volunteers at work in the neighbourhood. meeting organised by Fitzrovia Community Centre in These will take place as follows: Bloomsbury ward councillors Foley Street have spent the past Saturday 22nd June, 11.30 -1pm, about proposed changes to year getting the centre up and Monday 24th June, 5.30 – 7pm, traffic on Tottenham Court running, so it’s now time to get Tuesday 25th June, 3 – 4.30pm, Road and Gower Street. 6.30 more Fitzrovia residents and Wednesday 26th June 10 – pm to 8.30 pm Thursday 6 workers using and benefitting 11.30am. You are welcome to June 2013, Marchmont from the space. As part of the drop in for all or part of a ses - Community Centre, 62 'needs analysis' promised at the sion for some free refreshments Marchmont Street, London February 'What's on in Fitzrovia' and a chat - no booking is WC1N 1AB. meeting, we are consulting with required. The are plans to redevelop local people to find out what the As part of the conversation, a large office building on the neighbourhood is missing, and it’s time to decide if the building corner of Tottenham Court how FCC can help to fill those should remain known as the By Edward Turner country house opera experience Road and Bedford Avenue gaps. We want to ensure that the Fitzrovia Community Centre or right into the heart of Fitzrovia which includes the building Centre offers social, cultural and if it should adopt a new name to This year Fitzroy Square Opera in summer. Yes, we do suffer currently housing Time Out learning opportunities at the give it a more unique identity. is staging a production of from the odd extraneous noise magazine. right time of day, and at the We are running a competition Carmen, one of the most popu - and are always at the mercy of Westminster Council has right price – and that it is a wel - open to all local residents, work - lar works in the opera reper - the weather, but ultimately we refused an application for a coming space, not only for those ers and readers of Fitzrovia toire, on Thursday 27 June. prove we are masters of our licence to sell alcohol from the who live in the area, but also news, asking you to nominate a It’s a story of high passion, environment for one day at rear of a mini-cab office in those of you who work or study new name or vote to retain the jealousy and ultimate tragedy, least. Riding House Street after res - in Fitzrovia. building as Fitzrovia and was very controversial We want Fitzroy Square idents complained. A ‘community conversation’ Community Centre. when first performed in Paris in Opera to be both accessible and The Doctors Laboratory page is now live on the FCC All shortlisted names will be 1875. artistically rewarding. Carmen on Whitfield Street is about to website at http://is.gd/fcc_con - voted on via the Centre website Its centre stage portrayal of a fits the bill perfectly, with its take control of the pathology versation outlining the different or at reception and entrants will parallel working class world blend of familiar tunes and pow - service overseeing blood tests ways you can share your views, be entered into a prize draw to with its own moral codes broke erful story line. Many people at the Royal Free and needs and suggestions and pro - win £100 worth of shopping or new ground in French opera, who come to our opera each University College London viding further information about dining anywhere in Fitzrovia. attracting hostile reviews. year wouldn’t normally dream hospitals in what critics see as how you can get involved. To The chosen name will be Its composer, Bizet, didn’t of setting foot in an established privatising a huge chunk of ensure that the Centre and the launched at an open event in live to see its popular success as opera house where the atmos - the NHS in Camden. The services that operate from it are late summer (date TBC). If your one of the most enduring and phere can be perceived to be Doctors Laboratory is also a sustainable in the future, neither suggestion is chosen you will popular of all operas. stuffy or intimidating. founder members of the we nor they will be able to offer also be invited to formally Staging an opera in the open In contrast, we aim to create Fitzrovia Partnership Business free access or support to every - announce the name change on air in the middle of Fitzrovia is a welcoming environment for improvement District (BID) one. However, we are looking to the day and explain your sug - always a challenge. It’s not just everyone; there’s no dress code, which critics say is privatising encourage sponsorship and gestion in the local press. You the logistics of setting up and you can picnic on the grass, and a huge chunk of Fitzrovia. donations from local business can enter the competition by taking down an opera for a sin - the intimacy of a small company The Fitzrovia Partnership and to develop a membership sending your nomination and gle night each year, but ensuring of singers and musicians breaks BID have employed a scheme to ensure that local resi - 100 words explaining your that the opera breaks even, down the barriers between per - Marketing & dents and workers are able to choice to while remaining affordable to formers and audience. But ulti - Communications Manager to rent space or take part in social [email protected], send a most people (including provid - mately, we recognise that the try to stem the flow of nega - activities cheaply and easily. We tweet to @Fitzroviacentre, or ing free community tickets). enjoyment of opera is as much tive publicity the organisation need your suggestions to make drop it in to us at 2 Foley Street We need to be able to offer about atmosphere as it is about is getting. this work. Whether you would by Friday 28th June 2013. something more than a West music. Derwent London is offer - like to start up a service, have a Find out more at End opera experience at the And if you don’t want to ing grants to local groups after request for a new activity or www.fitzroviacommunitycen - Royal Opera House or the come into the garden itself to the community engagement want to give feedback on current tre.org, email me on Coliseum; what people say they enjoy the opera, we position organisation Soundings iden - opportunities, you are welcome [email protected] or like is the relaxed outdoor set - speakers on the perimeter of the tified opportunities for invest - to contribute via the website or come and say hello any Tuesday ting and the strong sense of garden to relay the opera to ment in Fitzrovia. Derwent in person between 9.30am and or Thursday. We look forward to community that we create. passers-by in the square. have been criticised because 5.30 pm Monday to Friday. If meeting more of you! There is something truly fitzroysquareopera.co.uk the grants do not invest in you are interested in getting magical about bringing the organisations’ core costs. involved further, you can also Kierra Box leads Communications find out about opportunities to and Engagement at Fitzrovia volunteer at the centre. Community Centre. THE DUKE OF YORK Opening hours, Mon-Fri, 12-11pm, Sat 1-11pm, Sun closed Architect honoured in new square 47 RATHBONE STREET,LONDON W1T 1NW 020 7636 7065 [email protected] Exemplar have suggested a new has been formally suggested to A traditional pub, with a good selection of real ales And varied wine list. name for the street that will run Westminster Council who will Upstairs Bar/Function room available for private parties and Buffets. Check through the heart of their mixed- have to decide on its suitability. us out on Facebook! use scheme on the development The previous name of Fitzroy site currently known as Fitzroy Place was withdrawn by Place. Exemplar after objections were The name “Pearson Square” lodged by the postal authorities THE GRAFTON has been chosen, named after and the emergency services. John Loughborough Pearson the If approved by Westminster ARMS architect of the Grade II* listed Council, the distinctive City of hospital chapel at the centre of Westminster signs with Pearson Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat 5-11pm, Sun closed. the site and the only part of the Square W1 will be fixed to the 72 GRAFTON WAY, LONDON WIT 5DU former Middlesex Hospital to three pedestrian entrances into 020 7387 7923 [email protected] escape total demolition. the central courtyard of the com - Newly refurbished heated roof terrace. Food served 12.-3, 6-10 pm The name “Pearson Square” pleted site. Parties catered for. Range of real ales. Function area. Friendly service! Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 News 4 Grahame Brownless was an accountant Grahame Brownless Derek Beech Nic Potter and actuary who lived in Fitzroy Mews since 1971 Derek Beech, In 1981 he recieved an MBA from who died this Cranfield University. spring, was born He was a member of Nominet the in Glasgow in UK’s Internet domain name registry and 1946, moved to was involved in a number of Internet London early in projects as part of the 1990s dot-com his life, and was boom. one of the origi - In the late-1990s he became a volun - nal tenents at 25 teer with the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Gresse Street. Association at 39 Tottenham Street. A retired Bass guitarist and songwriter Grahame helped with fundraising, budg - writer, he kept Nic Potter lived in Great eting and he wrote a few short news and Regrettably he did not enjoy the best the company of Titchfield Street for more than historical articles for Fitzrovia News. He of health and had his first heart attack at like-minded twenty years, w rites Barbara penned some letters under the name of age 48 and he struggled with depression. individuals, Corr . “Very annoyed of Fitzroy Square” where Grahame was fiercely loyal to his attending the I knew him from when we he’d grumble about faulty lighting and friends and family and spent the last few popular habitué shared a house in Notting Hill broken paving. years looking after his mother who had of Fitzrovia’s with Nic’s childhood friend, He was very modest, took great pride severe dementia and was housebound. many heritage Guy Evans. Nic played bass in in his work and was happiest when he Grahame had a lot left to give but sadly ‘creative water - rock group Van der Graaf was busy. his life was cut all too short. ing holes’ – the Generator and Guy was the Fitzroy Tavern, drummer. Bricklayers To the band Nic was always Arms and the ‘Mozart’. Nic’s career in music Iain Calder Green Man. began at sixteen with “The Polite and Misunderstood” and at eighteen “He’d been a customer of mine for 30 courteous, he he supported Chuck Berry at the years,” said pub guvnor Johnny Andrews. would always Royal Albert Hall. His talent and It was the customers’ idea to get the plaque doff one of his passion for music took him which was unveiled at a wake for him in the splendid hats if round the world. pub in April. he met you in Nic later joined the Tigers His partner of more than 30 years, the for - the street. Derek was affable and with striking and played sessions with the mer international dancer Merian Ganjou, dress sense. Indeed, you could usually tell when Beach Boys and Jeff Beck before thanked his many friends and said: "Iain’s now summer had arrived as Derek would don his focusing on his own work, on Friends of Iain Calder, who died had his ABF drink. I’d have the supper on and safari suit and stride out in fine wide-legged lop - the Zomart label he produced recently at the age of 79, have installed Iain would ring from the pub and say he was ping style having tilted his ubiquitous white 11 albums often with Guy a plaque commemorating him at his having an ABF drink," she explained. "It stood panama with slight angle. Evans. favourite corner seat in the King's for absolutely bloody final." His stepdaughter, Zohra, gave a moving eulo - A kind and gentle soul, he Arms pub, Great Titchfield Street. The couple met at the Richmond and Barnes gy at his funeral talking about his fine qualities, held great affection for his Iain lived in Fitzrovia for 40 years. Operatic Society where Iain was a tenor. his charm and charisma He was caring and com - friends and family, and every He was a chartered accountant and Iain is survived by a daughter Fiona, son passionate, far more interested in others than aspect of being alive made him a worked with many businesses in the Angus, and five grandchildren. himself. joy to be with. area. Maintenance

MPL and Flooring MAINTENANCE FOR THE HOME, OFFICE AND RETAIL

Plumbing Services · Drainage and High Pressure Jetting · Electrical · Data Cabling · Flooring · Painting and Decorating · Carpentry · Locks · Glazing · Gutter Clearance · Landlord Gas certificates · Power Flushing · Office and Home Clearance · Tiling/Plastering · Electrical Testing

* * Free Power Flush on all new boilers fitted in September 2012 * * * * Electrical Periodic Tests from £ 190 + Vat (2 bed Flat) * * We are locally based so · QUICK FRIENDLY RESPONSE · SMALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN · NO CALL OUT CHARGE · REGULAR OR ONE OFF JOBS · NO CONGESTION OR PARKING CHARGES·

Call: 0207 998 3137

Email: [email protected] Or drop in and see us at: Ground Floor 15 Goodge Place London, W1T 4SQ Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 5 Women’s art movement Fitzrovia Festival 1973 –2013 By SUE BLUNDELL the areas which you don’t want Fitzrovia Festival will be held the strange and unusual can be ‘The State and Sexist the ink to penetrate – the nega - between 10am and 4pm on found. Murder, the last hang - Advertising Cause Illness’; tive part of the design - with Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 man, and more. Entry: Free. ‘Fight the Cuts’; ‘The Freedom pieces of paper or emulsion. The June, and include various events Heritage Fitzrovia: conser - of the Press Belongs to Those blank poster is then placed at the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood vation areas and listed build - who Control the Press’. Though under the frame and ink is Association, 5A Goodge Place, ings — 12pm to 1.30pm, these rallying cries may seem poured over the screen and London W1T 4SD. Sunday 23 June. Cycle ride relevant today, they in fact dragged with a squeegee to The events are organised by through quiet streets looking at appeared on posters created in force it through the mesh. It can the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood buildings. Entry: Free. the 1970s and 80s be quite complicated using sev - Association, and are sponsored Infamous Fitzrovia: from The See Red Women’s eral different colours, with intri - by LDG estate agents, 39 Foley dog fighting to train robbers — Workshop was formed in 1974 cate designs. Andy Warhol’s Street, W1W 7TP. 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Tuesday 25 by two women art school gradu - Marilyn Monroe screen-print is It will be a celebration of 40 June. A sobering guided walk to ates and one practising artist in straightforward compared with years since the first Fitzrovia admire some of Fitzrovia’s 40 or response to the sexist stereotyp - many of See Red’s creations. Festival was held in June 1973. so public houses, many of which ing in advertising at the time. The Workshop finally closed Lost Fitzrovia: The Gort are architecturally striking. But Pru Stevenson, one of the three, ticeship scheme. in the early 1990s, but the group Estate and Tottenham Court what went on amongst the spit lives on Great Titchfield Street, All the women remained remains in existence as caretaker Road — 10am to 4pm, Saturday and the sawdust offers a differ - told me about the aggro that the passionately committed to the to its inspiring archive of materi - 22 June and Sunday 23 June. In ent treat for the voyeurs of women encountered when they ideals of the Collective. “There al. Last winter it received an this exhibition of photographs a Fitzrovia life. Partly-reformed first set up their workshop in was no hierarchy,” Pru told me. exhibition at the ICA. If you stretch of Tottenham Court Road boozer, historian of Fitzrovian squatted premises in Camden “We never fell out, and we were missed that, then you can visit and the streets to the west of it, deviancy and co-author of A Pub Town. "We put our posters up in all opposed to the idea of the the See Red Archive at the now long demolished, is Crawl Through History , Mike the window, a passerby put a individual creative artist. We’d Women's Library when it re- brought back to life to show the Pentelow will reveal the depths brick through it.” Nothing talk about the content, produce a opens at LSE next July, or view variety of styles of architecture of depravity that went on inside daunted, the three artists contin - few drawings, and then we’d some of their posters in the from Geogian, through Fitzrovia’s pubs before the hip - ued producing posters, all discuss them and suggest V&A, or online at www.grass - Victorian, Edwardian, art deco; sters spoilt it all. If you are look - Calendars and postcards, vivid changes.” rootsfeminism.net/cms/node/1 as well as a hotch-potch of post- ing for Sodom and Gomorrah, calls to action linked mainly to They would have shared the 25. WW2 and 1960s refurbishments. you’ll find it here. Entry £10. the women’s movement, and profits too if there’d been any, When I asked Pru whether Entry: Free. Streetwise Fitzrovia: at also work for other campaigning but for a long time there weren’t she thought there was still a Literary Fitzrovia: Books home and work in an inner organisations. any. Working up to three days a place for a group like See Red, about the neighbourhood — 10 London neighbourhood -- The women’s aim was to cre - week on the printing, they all she didn’t hesitate for a am to 4pm, Saturday 22 June 6.30pm to 8.00pm, Wednesday ate works which were cheap, needed outside part-time jobs. moment. “Oh, absolutely.” Most and Sunday 23 June . Browse or 26 June. Meet at LDG estate accessible and focussed, where Finally in 1983 the group of their work was produced buy books about Fitzrovia by agents 39 Foley Street, W1W the message was not obscured received a GLC grant, but Pru under the Thatcher Government, local authors. Entry: Free. 7TP, for a guided walk led by by fancy techniques or received herself left See Red shortly after and some things haven’t Hidden Fitzrovia: The local estate agent Laurence notions of beauty. Issues such as that. changed a great deal since then. buildings and their inhabitants Glynne who has known the area social equality, sexism, domestic They used the stencil method And though the new digital — 2pm to 3.30pm, Saturday 22 since the 1960s. This is a tour of politics, women’s health and of screen-printing which technologies do offer a kind of June. Join a 90-minute guided the narrow streets, houses and sexuality were all dealt with. involves stretching a piece of democritisation, their products walk to discover the buildings, businesses and will give a Another aim was skill-sharing, meshed material over a wooden can often appear too slick. What the famous and infamous peo - unique insight into the Fitzrovia and there were regular talks and frame, outlining the design on Pru herself would be keen to see ple, and you may find that Estate, its ebb and flow and demonstrations, plus an appren - the material, and blocking out would be some posters which things are not quite as they changing fortunes. Entry £10. address the theme of the older seem. Led by Fitzrovia News All events start at or take woman in society. Perhaps one editor and co-author of place at 5A Goodge Place, except of Fitzrovia’s many artists Characters of Fitzrovia Mike Streetwise, which starts at 39 Shop changes would like to respond to her Pentelow, the walk will take you Foley Street. plea. through Fitzrovia’s streets where See: fitzroviafestival.org.uk Closed Pall Mall Barbers (mens groom - Specialist Pharmacy ing) 45 Fitzroy Street 42 Windmill Street Cutting Corner (mens groom - Celebrating Blacks leisure ing) 116 New Cavendish Street 53 – 54 Rathbone Place Kathmandu 1-2 Berners Street, Russel and Hodge shirtmaker 3 Windmill Street Chimis Burrito Bar 98 Tottenham Court Road Fitzrovia Coffee Republic 99 Tottenham Court Road Chicken Cottage Noble furs 66-67 Wells Street 55 Goodge Street Tesoro Gelataria Moretti 11 Mortimer Street 39 Goodge Street Art of technology, realised Festival Pinnacle Cars 35 Riding House Street 41 Windmill Street ROLLO Contemporary Art Cards Galore Go streetwise with LDG on 26th June at 51 Cleveland Street 179 Tottenham Court Road Nicholas 25 Charlotte Street Monty’s wine bar 6.30 pm hosted by Laurence & Linus 52 Wells Street Cote Brasserie Market Place Opened 4 Great Portland Street, The Life Goddess , (greek coffee and food) 29 Store Street

Sales Lettings Commercial Masa Afghan cuisine 55 Goodge Street Opening soon 020 7580 1010 39 Foley Street Footes musical instruments ITSU (Sushi/noodles) 41 Store Street 53-54 Tottenham Court Road www.ldg.co.uk London Swan dry cleaners 34 Store Kings Canary (hairstylists) Street 81 Great Titchfield Street W1W 7TP Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 News 6 Bike boost in Fitzrovia

By our spokespeople Linus child's seats on the back. and booted on the Boris Bikes, Rees and Guy O'Connell Over at Fitzrovia Bicycles on Fitzrovia's full of cyclists. New Cavendish Street, Will It can be pretty dangerous While developers devour Taylor says sales are picking up out there on the roads, and Fitzrovia, cyclists are claiming after a long winter. "The sun has recently two new cycle contra- its streets. Pedalling on Percy brought a smile," there are more flows have been introduced — Street, cycling on Charlotte cyclists now in the area than five on Charlottte Street and Street and freewheeling in years ago." Whitfield Street — evidence of Fitzroy Square, all types of The shop is famous in the the extra traffic. cyclists are here. cycling world for its staff buyout But there's another side to it FN counted seven bike shops — the team who run the store all too ... cyclists, like the writers in or on the borders of Fitzrovia. got together a few years ago to here at FN aren't perfect, and as There are eleven Boris Bike sta - buy it off the owners. our intrepid reporters walked tions, meaning you can get on 20 years ago it was the only the pavements, they were nearly two wheels from £2 up to cycle shop in Fitzrovia. struck by that big city creature £40,000 (yes that's a bicycle for "There are more bikes partly — the bike going the wrong way £40k.) because people are skint. It's up the one-way street. quickest and cheapest and we Send your tips to cycling in "There's a real biking com - Fitzrovia Bicycles have their own Velorution stock a range of cycles can get you on the road with a the area or if you want to show munity around here, " say hus - disctinctive branding on their range from the ordinary to the unusual. second hand bike for around off send a pic of your bike and band and wife Gretta and of clothing. Jonathan Cole of Velorution " £100." and public transport to get you tell us why you love it. customers like that other [bike] Will stands surrounded by into work in the morning. shops are close by. We're all there are hundreds of new bikes, vintage frames and off the shelf Will says he commutes in Fitzrovia Bicycles, 136-138 New very different." in three shops with a very differ - bikes too. The team is open to from Stoke Newington which, Cavendish St, W1W 6YD On Great Portland Street ent appeal. doing deals with locals: door-to-door, takes him a Velorution, 88 Great Portland St alone there are three bike shops - "It's harder to buy some of "Come and talk to us if you leisurely 30 minutes. W1W 7NS Velorution's smart boutique- our bespoke bikes than to sell live or work round here. We'll Just outside of Fitzrovia, but London Green Cycles, 4 Chester style store, Cycle Surgery - them," says Jonathan Cole. "We see what we can do. It's a mix very worthy of a mention is Court, Albany Street NW1 4BU which has twenty nine stores try to cater for the high end but of commuters and residents and London Green Cycles in Albany Cloud 9 Cycles, 38 Store Street nationwide — and one branch also the new cyclist, we listen to we open early for the commut - Street. Unlike any of the shops WC1E 7DB of the large chain Evans on the what people want." ing traffic and stay late too." in Fitzrovia they specialise in Cycle Surgery, 42-48 Great corner of Mortimer Street with a TV news readers from the Like many of the staff in selling and hiring cargo bikes. Portland Street W1W 7LZ massive showroom in the base - nearby BBC are among the cus - Fitzrovia’s cycle shops, they From the commuters panting Evans Cycles, 62 Mortimer ment — said to be one of tomers, and when we visited an commute in to work by bike, at traffic lights, to pierced dis - Street, London W1W 7RR London's biggest. Italian couple staying at a hotel because for many journeys in patch riders nipping up the Evans Cycles, 51-52 Rathbone It means that within yards nearby were renting bikes with London the bicycle beats the car pavements, and on to the suited Place London W1T 1JP Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 7 The Dining Detective Oriental Dragon Restaurant, 100 Cleveland Street. A find! A find! A good Chinese restaurant in Fitzrovia. I had been told about this place and went along on your (and my own) behalf. The big giveaway is that its card is printed mostly in Chinese and on my first visit there were several Chinese cus - tomers on a week night – and, Word from the Street when I looked in that week -

end, plenty on a Sunday

e r a u q S y o r z t i F

Scandal relived until they learnt that the school lunchtime. And a take-away 3

: R E W S N A E L Z Z U P E R U T C I Burlesque aficienados in The counts among its pupils one menu as well, at excellent prices. P Master Brooklyn Beckham. Paintbox (downstairs at Sergio's I went on a night in April when (£6) was delicious, just lightly on the corner of Foley and Great midwinter seemed to have re- cooked. Titchfield Street) will be fascinat - Poetic justice struck Central London and some There was plenty of staff, ed to know it has a link with the Last autumn I revealed in this people kept their coats on, but it who were very pleasant, and Profumo Scandal of 50 years column that the manager of The was so cold I can imagine peo - attentive (in the right way), and ago. Stephen Ward used The George had commissioned a ple doing that at home that the added service charge seemed Paintbox to paint nude models, panel from Fitzrovia News writ - night as well! well worth it. The bill for two posing on a semi-circular stage ers to commemorate the poet In the smallish ground floor for an enjoyable meal was £64.95 surrounded by red curtains, and playwright Dylan Thomas. (where you can see the chef at which included all extras. back in 1960. And it was he who The panel, by signwriter Joan the end of the room, and where Since I wrote this, and wait - introduced showgirl Christine Kench (known as Joan of Art) Chinese music morphs during ing to send it in for the next edi - Keeler to war minister John has now been put up in the the evening into hip-hop but not tion of Fitzrovia News, I found a Profumo and Soviet attache doorway of the Mortimer Street too loud) there is – first things rave review for this restaurant in Eugene Ivanov, an alleged spy, entrance (pictured left). first - beer of course, and a good the Observer (which many of both of whom had affairs with “It’s great that we can finally wine list. An excellent bottle of you may have read). So I went her in 1963. This led to the honour one of our most famous Australian shiraz cost £21.75. back again, on my own, but downfall of Harold Macmillan's patrons in this way,” said man - There is a big emphasis on (luckily) early – and found reser - Conservative government. umn. Then the pub was men - ager Ed Hutchings. “It’s caused seafood, but plenty of meat and vations on most of the tables Ironically Ward had earlier been tioned again in "The Long View" a lot of interest, especially now vegetarian dishes as well. A and, as it started to fill up, a granted unique permission by on April 3 about the old work - the BBC news people have large helping of Sesame Prawn quite different type of customer Macmillan to draw MPs in ses - house opposite in Cleveland moved back to Broadcasting Toast as good as anything in from the last visit, with taxis sion at the Commons. Ward's Street. The programme at long House.” Chinatown as a starter – £5.50. pulling up outside. All the use of The Paintbox, then man - last gave due credit to head There is definitely a Chinese diners, who came with aged by a tiny model called nurse Matilda Beeton for her Breakfast TV Szechuan influence in some of regularity, went downstairs this Adele de Havilland "who tried strenuous campaigning in the the dishes, so be warned if that Early morning viewers of Daybreak time, so that might be more for to increase her height with a 1860s to improve the appalling is not to your taste: there is a big on ITV would have seen Andreas, them than for us. The food was beehive hairdo and stiletto conditions in the workhouse. emphasis on chilli in some cases: owner of the restaurant of that still terrific: I had the best beef heels", was revealed recently by The other campaigner there was prawns and spicy cabbage name at 40 Charlotte Street, giving dish with vegetables (finely Walter Harris in the Daily Mail. Dr Joseph Rogers, whose contri - (£11.80) had wonderful large his views on the Greek financial cri - sliced and lightly cooked sirloin) bution has been long recognised. tasty prawns, but it was spicy sis. Andreas was a diplomat repre - that I’ve ever had, and wine by Another local historical char - indeed – the cabbage had turned Model visit senting Cyprus for many years. the glass is good quality. If you Was it a coincidence that outside acter was also described on white with shock, and maybe weren’t drinking alcohol you this very same venue I spotted a Radio 4 recently. This was the dish was a bit too surpris - could have an excellent two- rather ostentatious red Rolls Royce William Ramsay, chair of inor - reet ingly hot. Scallops are served in course meal for under £15. Good with the number plate "1", which ganic chemistry at University e St the shell and delicious (£12), Pak luck to the Oriental Dragon – College London from 1887 to rlott choi with garlic and oyster sauce belongs to Tamara Ecclestone, the Cha may the wonderful chef stay. 29-year-old model daughter of 1913, whose work was Formula 1 multi-billionaire Bernie appraised on "Start The Week". Ecclestone. She studied at University College London in Advertising pays Double J’s Cafe/Restaurant Gower Street but failed to complete An advert by recently qualified bar - Our lovely customers and neighbours, the course. Maybe she has a pen - rister Frank Feeney thanking his chant for burlesque. A few days brother Tommy for his unstinting later I saw a more modest black support, appeared in Fitzrovia We’re back! Well almost. We’ve found ourselves a bigger restaurant in the sports car with an even more mod - News in September 1992, as I dis - neighbourhood, spread over 2 floors, with more seating. We’re aiming to est number plate of "WEE 1" out - covered when going through the side the Cock Inn, Great Portland archives recently. Tommy is still complete the renovation of our new restaurant soon, but please keep Street. around so I showed him a copy in checking our website for a grand opening date. the Blue Posts and, to my amaze - ment, it was the first time he had Soap stars We’re going to be in a newer shinier space, but still serving the same mor - Two Coronation Street stars seen it! But on reading it he imme - have been spotted by my broth - diately got on the phone to Frank eish, non-nonsense food, prepared fresh to order, using high-quality pro - er Warren in the area recently. thanking him - 21 years after it duce at affordable prices. First, the Rover's Return landla - appeared. dy Stella (actress Michelle Collins), who was shopping at Football play With 25 years of experience, our motto is simple: Good food and good Tesco in Goodge Street. Then Thespian friends of mine go prices served with friendly hospitality. one of her regulars, cabbie round schools performing We’re hoping to see you soon, just like the good old times. Lloyd (actor Craig Charles), Shakespeare. They recently looking pretty rough at mid- went to a certain seat of learn - day, studiously steering clear of ing in Fitzrovia to put on The Double J’s Team the Crown & Sceptre in Foley scenes from Macbeth. I fondly Euston Road T Street. imagined them carting in quan - www.doublejscafe.com o t t t e tities of beards, swords and [email protected] e e n

daggers, but they assure me all r h Radio fun 07951 666 661 t a

the props were discretely S

The King & Queen pub, also in m

packed in boxes. When they y

Foley Street, is becoming men - o C were carrying them into the r

tioned regularly on Radio 4. z t t 333 Euston Road, i Folk singer Martin Carthy on school however their activities R F Desert Island Discs recalled see - drew close scrutiny from two d ing Bob Dylan there 50 years burly security guards. This London NW1 3AD Warren Street ago as I reported in my last col - puzzled the players somewhat, 8 Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 Empty buildings in Fitzrovia

Former Blues Bar and historic Swiss Club, 74 Charlotte Street is owned by a Malasian company. The owners were 13-14 Goodge Place was sixteen bedroom supported hos - refused planning permission by Emerson Bainbridge House. Sold by UCLH NHS Foundation trust tel accomodation for vulnerable Asian men. The hostel Camden Council to demolish the interi - to Charterhouse who have submitted an application to redevelop was closed after owners One Housing Association lost or of the Goergian building. But the the site. The buiding was to be sold to Soho Housing Association to funding due to the government’s austerity measures. It owners have now appealed to the plan - house local police officers but the deal fell through. was refurbished 2012 and has been empty for at least a ning inspectorate to be allowed to carry year. At present it is being secured by a property out the demolition. guardianship company.

Lying landlords, dodgy developers, and mystery owners hiding in secrecy jurisdictions

By News Reporters Land Registry website we’d Firstly, we know there is often between 30 and 80 square space is over-priced, with land - racked up quite enough expens - huge demand for residential metres in size allow start up lords asking unrealistic rents Trying to figure out was is going es for a paper written by volun - property in Fitzrovia and there companies to base themselves then complaining there is no on with all the empty property teers and subsidised by a chari - are many planning applications here, something that they have demand. After it’s been empty in Fitzrovia is an onerous task ty. for change of use from retail or done for a long time and have for a while they engage a bunch worthy of the best investigative With a bit of help from a few office to small studio or one or been very much part of the char - of planning consultants to journalists. Suffice to say we are of our friends (there aren’t two bedroom flats. Hence we acter of the area. argue that there is just no far too lazy and lack the many) in the property business, see a lot of office space remain - But much of the small office demand and they want a resources to get to the bottom of we’d done enough to get a good ing empty. it all. picture of what is happening in However, there is still a high So after a few trips to the Fitzrovia. demand for small office and retail space in Fitzrovia despite what property owners would have you believe. Fitzrovia is a mixed-use area and that is part of its success, and our sources tell us that there continues to be “demand across the board” for commercial prop - erty to rent here. Including small office space of less than 100 square metres. Small offices —

Former Squat and Gobble former Sakley’s 69 Charlotte former EMI studios 31-37 Whitfield Street large office complex with court - Street empty since December awaiting building works Courtauld Institute, 91 Riding House Street former yard empty since recording studios decomissioned and refurbished into having received planning consent from Camden laboratary premises owned by University College office premises. It now appears to be disused London empty since Hospital closed in 2005 Council. Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 9 Why are they empty and who owns them?

By News Reporters ly good part of the street and It looks like a run-down part of turned it into a shell of its for - the street to the passer-by. But mer self: empty, boarded up, don’t be fooled, it is nothing of and dead. But just who are the sort. Charlotte Investment Holdings Three shops along Charlotte Ltd? A search of Companies Street are empty because the House returns no results for any landlord emptied them and company with that name. wants to redevelop the site. An investigation by Fitzrovia But the owners of the prem - News has found that Charlotte ises were so impatient that they Investments Holdings Ltd is couldn’t wait to get planning incorporated in the British permission before asking the Virgin Islands. two shop owners and businesses Confidentiality of corporate in the offices to leave. documents and information is The result is a cafe that was one of the key attractions of doing a roaring trade has been incorporating a company in the shut without good reason, a British Virgin Islands. Unlike the long-established hairdressers three shop units and the base - and the hairdressers. And they looked like one big restaurant UK’s Companies House, a com - has been moved out, and busi - ments in to one huge restaurant objected to what they saw was and no room for the small busi - pany is not required to file its nesses above the shops has been cum-cafe-cum-food market the plans to create one huge nesses that give Charlotte Street register of directors, register of asked to leave. called the Charlotte Street restaurant to add to all the other its special character. members, register of charges or Charlotte Investment Market. restaurants already along the So Camden Council’s devel - an annual return with the British Holdings Ltd bought the three But local people were suspi - street. opment control committee threw Virgin Islands Registrar of buildings last year and quickly cious of the glossy presentations The owners and their plan - out the proposal. Corporate Affairs. decided to redevelop the site. and took exception to their pro - ning consultants went away and Charlotte Investment No wonder local people They held an exhibition that posals and the way they pushed modified the plans, but it still Holdings have ruined a perfect - were suspicious. showed plans for knocking all out the popular Double J’s cafe

former B’s electrical shop 112 Cleveland The second type is the suc - Shop 114 Cleveland Street not cur - Street not currently being used as shop cessful business. This business rently used as shop no Council per - no Council permission for change of use outgrows the small office and mission to change use. exists doesn’t want to renew its lease The former employment agency and because they want to move to offices at 62 Charlotte Street has bigger premises and continue to income and doesn’t fail or out - grow. The landlord is not happy grow their premises. Landlords been empty for over three years. characterised by a high turnover because they have to find anoth - prefer them because they remain There are plans to redevelop it. of occupiers. er tenant. solvent but they don’t want to There are three types of The other type of small busi - move on. small business. The first type is ness is the one that has a modest But landlords see converting change of use to residential — the one that fails. They hand office to residential as the pre - often small single bedroom flats. back the office and the landlord All political parties agree has to re-let. that small businesses are a vital part of the British economy; yet according to our sources many Arthur Stanley House, local landlords are increasingly Tottenham Street. large loath to rent out small commer - eight storey medical cial premises to small business. premises owned by The reason, according to our UCLH NHS property mole, is that by their Foundation trust left very nature small premises are empty since closure of Middlesex Hospital 2005 at present being occupied by a handful of property guardians. UCLH have also been playing cat and mouse with a group of squat - ters who have occupied the building twice. ferred option because there is so much investment prop - erty demand in central London. And more investment Former dentist sugery 32 Warren properties lead to more Street empty empty buildings. And so it 72 Cleveland Street empty restaurant goes... premises 10 Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 Local hidden art treasures on show idden away until recently in By CLIVE JENNINGS a large and beautiful six some and resourceful young storey townhouse in H Bulgarian from a small rural Fitzrovia, is one of the most impressive collections of 20th cen - community outside Plovdiv, the tury art in private hands in ancient capital, whose parents England. The collection includes had resisted the Communists works by Vanessa Bell, Eugene and had their lands seized, Boudin, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Maurice Denis, Duncan Grant, realised that he would never Amadeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, survive in Bulgaria under the Lucien Pissarro, Matthew Smith, new regime. He hatched a dar - Graham Sutherland and Alfred ing and desperate plan to escape Wallis. to the West, a true tale of der - The Collection is testament ring-do. This dangerous venture to the lifetime friendship of involved swimming across a three very special and discern - river, avoiding armed border ing men and their involvement guards, to neighbouring Turkey, with the greatest artists of their thence to Istanbul, where the time. They were Eddy Sackville authorities wanted to send him West, later Lord Sackville, to the US or Canada. Eardley Knollys and Mattei Keen to go to England, he Radev. They all had a love of art and a friend stowed away on the and a very keen eye for quality LEFT: Portrait of Soutine by Amedeo Modigliani, ought by Eardley Knollys in 1952. RIGHT: Portrait of Mattei British Merchant Vessel, The in their purchases: Eddy liked Radlev by Robert Medley. Medley was the first person to suggest that Mattei frame some of his pictures when he Preston, they had spotted in The Surrealism and modern cutting had not long arrived in London as a refugee from Bulgaria. Mattei confessed to not knowing what a picture frame Sea of Marmara. His friend was edge art, Eardley favoured the was, but he prospered from this kindly suggestion, for which he was eternally grateful. discovered and sent back, but Post Impressionists and the Mattei hid in a lifeboat for two Fauves, and Mattei bought from Margaret Rutherford, who lived framers at this time, due to its at ease in their surroundings, a days, sustained only by a little the artists that were his friends next door, and insisted on angli - convenient location, close to the true Bloomsbury house. A chocolate and bread. When he and clients. Eddy, who died in cising his name to “Mr Radford” West End galleries. Gaudier-Brzeska bronze of a finally revealed himself, he man - 1965, left his collection to whenever she greeted him. Mattei took a second work - naked female dancer (posed by aged to claim asylum, worked Eardley, and on his death in Young Mattei was strikingly shop in Bourlet Close, off Riding notorious Fitzrovia artist Nina on the ship, and was taken to 1991, it passed to Mattei, who good looking, with a shock of jet House Street, and employed up Hamnett) was casually placed Barlinnie Prison by police when died in 2009. black hair, as witnessed in por - to 16 people. It was a very con - on a side table below a luscious the boat docked in Glasgow. The story starts in 1920 when traits by Robert Medley and vivial atmosphere where cus - Vanessa Bell still life in the Mattei ended up in London, Eddy and Eardley, two young Maggi Hambling, self effacing, tomers, including Princess drawing room; naïve Albert at the famous Doss House, men born at the turn of century, unpretentious with a dry wit, Michael of Kent, then an interior Wallis seascapes and a Francoise Rowton House in Camden met at Christ Church Oxford, on and was completely taken under designer, would frequently stay Gilot (wife to Picasso) in the Town. Finding work as an order - their first day there. They were the collective wing of this distin - for lunch or dinner. kitchen. It is hoped that a per - ly at the Whittington Hospital, briefly lovers at this time, but guished company, many of Such was the reputation of manent home can be found for he met the celebrated eye sur - remained friends for life. Eddy whom became lifelong friends. his framing skills that Mattei The Radev Collection, where it geon and pioneer gay rights went on to become the most Encouraged by Medley, he received commissions from The will be on public view, in its activist Patrick Trevor Roper, respected music critic of his gen - served an apprenticeship with Queen’s Gallery and was offered entirety. who found him accommodation eration, famously championing famous gallerist and picture the Royal Warrant, which he An exhibition entitled in the tank room at the top of an the work of Benjamin Britten framer, Robert Savage, in politely refused, as he thought it “Bloomsbury and Beyond”, of elegant Crown Estate house in St and Michael Tippett, while Chelsea. Ambitious to start his might alienate his more modest selected works from the The Andrews Place, Regents Park. Eardley (described by Harold own business, Eardley loaned clients. Radev Collection, many of Only a few hundred yards away Nicolson in a letter to his wife, him the money to set up a fram - The framing business contin - which have never been on pub - from his former digs, but worlds Eddy’s cousin Vita Sackville ing shop in the lower part of the ued until the early 1990s when it lic view before, is currently on away from the company he had West, as “that Hellenic vision Fitzrovia property that Mattei was sold and moved, and the an ambitious nationwide tour. become used to. with scented amber curls”) ran eventually owned, lived in, and workshop reverted to a home The Collection arrives in He blossomed in his new the famous Storran Gallery at 5 housed the extensive collection for Mattei and his art collection. London at the Redfern Gallery milieu, and flourished here for Albany Court Yard for eight of paintings he inherited. The The collection is on a domes - (www.redfern-gallery.com) at 20 12 years where he met the cream years, showing works by framing business prospered with tic scale and the Fitzrovia house, Cork Street, W1 from August 13 of London’s art society, includ - Picasso, Utrillo, Monet, Renoir a clientele that read like a who’s though stylish and elegant is not to September 5. ing not only Eddy Sackville- and Gauguin, later working as a who of Modern British Art. grand. When I visited, the sup - An informative website West and Eardley Knollys, with consultant to The National Trust, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, posedly best pieces had already about the collection, its ori - whom he had a short relation - and pursuing his own career as Graham Sutherland, John been cherry picked for the tour - gins and the men who built ship, but also Robert Medley, an artist. Banting were frequent visitors. ing exhibition described below, John Piper, Raymond Mortimer, it can be found at: Meanwhile, in the early Fitzrovia was home to a host of but even the remaining pieces The Sitwells and many others, www.theradevcollection.org 1950s, Mattei Radev, a hand - furniture makers, craftsmen and were spectacular, and looked so not to mention the actress A drunken fall brought me to my senses By JOHN AXON play day. VAT had nothing to do ment. Fortunately something supposedly humorous in their professionals who frankly saved It could be called the Great with HMRC but was the oil that broke my fall; unfortunately it abstract context, but they were my life. My woes were totally of Awakening. Nature has a way of lubricated the engine of cordiali - was a concrete wall. Summoned always linked by stories of my own making and I am aware indicating displeasure in ty, for six hours or more. In my by the restaurant staff the eccentric, often soused charac - that scarce resources were lav - the excessive behaviour of men. sole nod to socialist solidarity, London Ambulance Service ters (mostly deceased) or told of ished upon my case. Some Nothing quite focuses the mind the aroma of Fidel's finest hand heroically lifted me to St Mary's meetings with sundry visitors to would say squandered. like a near-death experience. So rolled cigars lent the day a rich, hospital where I was eventually our area whose tongues were So, one year on and I have it was with me, in a trite hazy aspect. This continued later transferred to the Trauma Unit. loosened and memories stirred, relaxed my self-imposed and almost casual way. in a designated restaurant with Badly hurt. Quite how serious never shaken, with the assis - Fitzrovian exile. I no longer I fell down some stairs. In a New World Shiraz replacing the would eventually emerge after tance of strong drink. In vino drink alcohol and have been restaurant. In Charlotte Street. Vodka and Old World brandy MRI scans. I had sustained sev - veritas served as a recurring lucky in that finding and retain - And in drink. rounding off the evening as eral skull fractures, a broken eye theme. Now that the surgeon's ing my sobriety has been easy I was what is known as a many an honest chef's handi - socket and numerous cuts and, skill was to be placed under for me. social drinker. I enjoyed the work was idly pushed around a ahem, bruises. Major surgery examination at 8 the next morn - I still visit my old haunts ambiance of pubs and restau - plate and returned unsullied to was urgently required. ing, I hoped that he had not and feel comfortable so doing rants and the company of less the kitchen. Conviviality was always a enjoyed what I considered a nor - and hope to continue seeing than abstemious fellow trav - The accident, when it word to be juxtaposed with alco - mal evening. friends in this area for many ellers. Fitzrovia had so often inevitably occurred, hol in my personal lexicon. After a lengthy recuperation years to come, but these days I been the venue of career carous - simply sluiced over me, appro - Some readers of Fitzrovia News I emerged largely in one piece actually both enjoy and remem - ing and this continued into my priately enough. I seemingly might recall some of my previ - and with no cognitive damage. ber the experience. curious form of semi-retirement. tripped and tumbled the four - ous contributions which were My lasting gratitude is to the Still adore a Havana Saturday was always the teen steps down to the base - random in feature and often dedication and care of the NHS Cigar, though! Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 11

‘So, how are things? he asked. her head forward. From behind the A SHORT ‘Good,’ she said, quick and on curtain of her hair she told him all of cue, and looked at the room in the it. The woman managed the art STORY BY mirror.‘It’s busy today.’ gallery. The art gallery of all places! Growing out ‘Same as usual.’ Robert had only gone there because SUNITA ‘How are your dogs?’ they were redecorating and she’d SOLIAR ‘Tip your head forward. What’s begged him to take an interest. She that, darling?’ found the ballet tickets in his pocket. ‘Your dogs. You said you had He never took her to the ballet, and dogs.’ she followed him. He didn’t try to he sat at her dressing table, ‘My girlfriend’s. I walk the dogs deny it; instead he packed his bags, catching her sallow face in the when she’s studying.’ and told her that he was relieved mirror. Her mouth was wrin - S ‘That still going?’ The last time that she knew. kled from when she used to laugh at she saw him he’d started seeing a Robert’s jokes, from when he used to ‘That’s terrible!’ Jay cried. younger woman, a girl really. She want to make her laugh: Knock ‘Completely unbelievable! You poor, Knock. Who’s there? Reed. Reed was nineteen and he must be – poor thing.’ Who? Reed between the lines; keep what? Fortyish? She looked up now. Her hair your eyes wide open before mar - ‘I met her parents,’ he said, and was short, sharp. riage, half shut afterwards; politics is told her that they had been hostile Jay caught the dismayed flash in the art of looking for trouble, finding because of the age difference but he her eye. ‘You said you wanted some - it everywhere, diagnosing it incor - thought they might come around. thing different.’ rectly and applying the wrong reme - He flashed a smile that whiffed of ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Different, yes.’ dies. They were never very funny dizzy middle age. Her mistake, not his. but she’d laugh anyway. He said, ‘The usual? Just a cou - He blow-dried it and there it She pinched a little colour into ple of inches?’ He knifed his palm was: a tight, short bob, clinging to her cheeks; then she cupped her hair across her shoulder blades. her face. It made her cheeks look in her hand and pushed it up into a ‘No,’ she said. ‘Shorter. Just craggy; her neck stood out, no miss - tentative wave. Robert had loved her below the neck or…oh, do whatever ing the wrinkles now. long hair when they had first met. In you like. Really.’ Jay switched the drier off and recent years she had kept it below ‘Change is good.’ He began to positioned a few strands. She her shoulder blades – it looked thick part and comb her hair. It made her winced at the mirror, catching the that way. For the last six months Illustration by Clifford Harper tense, the intimacy of someone cruel glint of his scissors. since she found out she’d let it creep touching her hair, her scalp. He said, He said, ‘It sprang up a bit, did - down her back, flat and grey. But six ‘I know what we’ll do. You’ll love it. n’t it? Do you like it?’ Jay, said.‘Long time no see.’He took threw a black cape over her, pressing months was time. She reached for So, you’re well,’ he said. ‘That’s ter - ‘It’s great!’ she said. ‘Great. A her to the sink and started washing down the Velcro at the back, and put her brush, and her gaze lingered on rific.’ great, new change to go with my her hair.‘How’s the water, darling? a rubber ring around her neck so the embossed silver pattern. It was She touched the finger where new life.’ She caught him glancing at ‘Fine,’ she said, wincing at the that she looked like one of those real silver too – nothing was too her ring used to be, and watched Jay his watch. heat.‘Just fine. It had always both - bodiless dolls her daughter used to good for her, Robert used to say. An in the mirror as, with a magician’s He blew the hair off her lap. ered Robert that she didn’t com - chop and singe the hair off. The anniversary gift – how many years flair, he pulled strips of her hair ‘That’s the spirit.’ He disrobed her, plain. They’d had dinner at a receptionist slapped some maga - ago? Ten? Fifteen? No, it was ten, at away from her head then dropped gave her back her coat and moved Chinese restaurant once where the zines in front of her, and Jay stood that little hotel in the South of them, sectioning them off with his her to the door with a sweep of his sweet and sour pork was cold, and behind her, his scissors poking out France with the green, silk drapes. comb. Robert used to handle her arm. He said, ‘You take care, darling. for the whole meal he told her she of the pocket of his jeans. He had How long after that had they well once. Like that time she was See you next time.’ ought to complain, she needed to be red hair, cut short around his face. stopped going on long weekends? It upset because she’d overcooked his ‘Next time!’ She beamed, hold - more vocal. Two weeks later she said He’d changed his hair many times was his work that had stopped him; birthday dinner. He ate it anyway ing her handbag in front of her like a she wanted to go away for the week - since she’d known him – dreadlocks, still, she supposed it must be her and they laughed about it and went shield. ‘Definitely! Next time!’ The end, like they used to. He’d mum - tight curls, a ponytail. She’d thought fault in some way: she belonged to out for ice cream. bell rang as the door clanged shut bled into a ruckus of legal papers those constant changes unsettling, that generation of women. She put She caught her double and Jay’s behind her. The breeze shivered over that he was busy. too shifting, but now they seemed the brush down, her fingers slipping in the mirror. She said, ‘Robert – my her neck and she pulled up the hood Jay wadded her hair in a towel fearless, like an evening plunge into away from it. Six months was time. husband – left me,’ she said. of her coat. ‘Hello, darling,’her hairdresser, and showed her over to a seat. He the ocean. ‘Oh, darling, I’m sorry.’ He tilted Achieving record prices in the local community

Visit our we vie bsite to w a selection N of our EW HOMES.

25 Gosfield Street, Fitzrovia W1 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia W1

· Development of 9 units · Due for completion Spring 2014 · Three bedroomom duplex Penthouse · Characteerr period building · Only 4 units remaining · Prices starttinging from £1,150,000 · Hi-Spec contemporary interior · Available NOW

23-24 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8LF T 020 7637 0821 E [email protected] www.rib.co.uk 12 Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 SUE BLUNDELL continues her series of Fitzrovian Secret Families The novelist who lived out the double identities of his characters f all the 19th century Caroline, often referred to her in Fitzrovians who had secret his letters as ‘The Doctor’, Ofamilies, Wilkie Collins is because in those early days, if probably my favourite. Famous for Collins missed a party, his friend ‘sensation novels’ such as The Woman in White and The would offer the excuse that he Moonstone, Collins was adept at was ‘consulting his Doctor’. probing the hypocrisy that under - Collins had taken lodgings close pinned bourgeois family values in to Caroline’s shop, at 22 Victorian England. Like the main character in The Woman in White, Howland Street, where in his he was fascinated by the ‘idea of own words he looked out on something hidden below the sur - ‘drab-coloured walls ... through face’. Unorthodox relationships, a smoke-laden atmosphere.’ WILKIE COLLINS confused identities, and the eco - ‘Smeary Street’ was his own death of his mother, when at the nomic plight of women were the staple fare of his work. name for the thoroughfare. age of 44 he embarked on an Unconventionality was ‘I have witnessed some sad affair with 20-year-old Martha something that Collins sights during my stay in Smeary Rudd. Martha may have been Street, which have taught me to one of his mother’s servants. embraced in his personal as well MARTHA RUDD CAROLINE GRAVES as his professional life. Unlike feel for my poor and forlorn fel - Before long she was settled in his close friend and collaborator Ackroyd in his biography of one’. But this was probably hard low-creatures as I do not think I lodgings at 33 Bolsover Street Charles Dickens, he never Collins, Marylebone was even on the women in his life, whose ever felt for them before …’ under the name of Mrs Dawson, attempted to wrap a veil of then a respectable and dreary social existence was much more (Household Words 14 June and she went on to bear Collins respectability around his affairs. area, but Collins knew better circumscribed than that of a 1856). Sadly if Collins were to three infant ‘Dawsons’, two girls As a result his families were than most that ‘strange crimes bohemian male writer. walk down Howland Street and a boy. never particularly secret, though and furtive passions might lie By 1856 Collins had begun a today he probably wouldn’t con - They were to remain a cou - he was certainly anxious that his concealed behind the brick and relationship with Caroline sider it greatly improved. ple to the end of Collins’ life. much-loved mother should the plaster.’ Graves, a widow with a young In 1858 he set up home with ‘My morganatic family’ was never find out about them. He was implacably opposed daughter who kept a ‘marine Caroline at 2a New Cavendish how he referred to them, and Collins was born in 1824 at to the notion of marrying. In an store’ – a general second-hand Street, and it was here that he when dealing with the landlady 11 New Cavendish Street, the article called ‘Bold Words by a shop that supplied working began his novel The Woman in he called himself Mr.William son of a landscape painter. He Bachelor’, written for Dickens’ class people with most of their White. Later the couple moved Dawson. So like some of the was to live in the Marylebone weekly magazine Household needs. This was in Charlton to Harley Street, then to Dorset characters in his own novels, area for most of his life, and at Words, Collins argued that ‘the Street (that part of what is now Square, and finally in 1867 to Collins was taking on a double the age of 34 returned to the general idea of the scope and Hanson Street between New Gloucester Place. identity. street of his birth with a mistress purpose of the institution of Cavendish Street and Clipstone Collins’ tandem family was Understandably Caroline in tow. According to Peter marriage is a miserably narrow Street). Dickens, who hated acquired in 1868, soon after the was not too enthusiastic about Martha’s appearance on the scene. At some point in 1868 she Unforgettable characters No 3: QUENTIN CRISP moved out of Gloucester Place, and in October that year she married a young man called Joseph Clow at Marylebone Defiantly true to himself Parish Church. It may have been an amicable arrangement - Collins attended the wedding, By CHRISTINA LATHAM Charlotte Street, the Wheatsheaf In 1942 Crisp took up work and he continued to care for he University of Westminster in Rathbone Place, and cafes as a life model, an experience Caroline’s daughter Carrie until is soaked in history. The such as the Low Dive in a University of Westminster’s that inspired his most famous she herself married. T Charlotte Street basement and Cavendish campus is located in our and successful book "The Naked But Caroline’s own marriage very own Fitzrovia. The establish - the Alexandria Cafe in Rathbone Civil Servant". The book docu - was not a success. In 1871 she ment has had many notable faculty Place, as well as performing at ments the troubles he faced left her husband and returned to members and alumni. One of the the Scala Theatre in Tottenham because of his pride in his sexu - live in Gloucester Place, becom - more colourful alumni of the uni - Street. He began to feel part of a versity was the English writer and ality at a time when homosexu - ing Collins’ housekeeper and raconteur, Quentin Crisp. community and more comfort - ality was illegal in the UK. In almost constant companion. Crisp had a conventional able with expressing himself. He this book Crisp details his expe - Gradually the writer settled suburban upbringing but from dyed his long hair crimson and rience as a book designer, nude back into a dual domestic exis - an early age was aware that he painted his fingernails and toe model and a prostitute. The tence. Sometimes he took both was not conventional. He was nails in exotic colours. book became even more success - families on holiday to Ramsgate, born in 1908 as Denis Charles However, money was hard ful due to its dramatisation. In with the Caroline branch aug - Pratt, the fourth child of solicitor to come by and he took up work 1975 "The Naked Civil mented after a while by Carrie Spencer Charles Pratt and for - as a male prostitute for six Servant" was broadcast on and her three young daughters. mer governess Frances Marion months. In a 1999 interview he British and US television and The two households were Pratt. He changed his name to explained the hardships of pros - made both actor John Hurt (who installed in neighbouring board - Quentin Crisp in his twenties titution and claimed that he was also lived in Fitzrovia) and Crisp ing houses, and the children all after escaping the lull of subur - looking for love but found only himself into stars. played together happily. But bia and creating a new effemi - degradation. He was hugely controversial Caroline and Martha never met. nate appearance. However, still Crisp attempted to join the even into his later years. He When Collins died in 1889 it in London his new image army at the outbreak of World made remarks to offend the gay was Caroline who headed the shocked the contemporary com - War II, but was rejected on the community by referring to group of mourners at Kensal munity. grounds that he was "suffering homosexuality as a ‘terrible dis - Green cemetery. ‘Mrs. Dawson QUENTIN CRISP in 1940 Crisp studied journalism at from sexual perversion". During ease’. Crisp was also critical of and family’ had to be content King's College London, but the war he embraced his cosmet - Diana, Princess of Wales and her The Sting song "Englishman in with sending a cross of white failed to graduate in 1928, going ics and feminine dress even attempts to gain public sympa - New York" dedicated to Crisp chrysanthemums. Collins had on to take art classes at the more so. He paraded through thy following her divorce from highlights the hardships he divided his estate equally Regent Street Polytechnic, 309 the black-out, picking up G.I.s. Prince Charles. endured throughout his life. The between Caroline and Carrie, Regent Street. This is around the Their open-minded ways nur - Crisp may not have been the lines ring true: "It takes a man to and Martha and her children. same time that he discovered tured his love for all things most amiable of characters but suffer ignorance and smile, Be On her death in 1895 Caroline Soho and began to frequent the American. This period of his life his defiant attitude to believe in yourself no matter what they was buried in the same grave as cafes, meeting other young may have helped inform his himself and go against the say." Crisp was a unique charac - the writer. The plot was tended homosexual men. He also fre - decision to emigrate to America norms of society enabled him to ter and because of this, he will by Martha until her own death quented the Fitzroy Tavern in in 1981. write "The Naked Civil Servant". not be forgotten. in 1919. Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 13 Reputation of Wallace the evolutionist restored at last

By MIKE PENTELOW Socialist movement in England. "At other times we read n the centenary of his death papers or books, or played the reputation of evolution - draughts, dominoes, or Oist Alfred Russel Wallace bagatelle, and coffee was also (1823-1913) is being restored along - side his collaborator Charles supplied to any who wished it." Darwin. Wallace recalled hearing The BBC2 two-part television Owen give a short address in ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE programme "Bill Bailey's Jungle Whitfield Street and "I was Hero" about Wallace is being struck by his tall spare figure, repeated on June 6 and 7. Bailey very lofty head, and highly reminds us that the world- benevolent countenance and changing theory of evolution mode of speaking... I have was originally know as the always looked upon Owen as Darwin-Wallace theory (as my first teacher in the philoso - Wallace had come to the same phy of human nature and my conclusions before Darwin pub - first guide through the labyrinth lished his), but over the years all of social science. He influenced the attention became focused on my character more than I then Darwin. knew." And now, at last, Wallace's He was also greatly portrait has joined that of At the age of just 13 Wallace what is now the southern side of impressed by Owen's eldest son Darwin's in the Natural History left school to become an appren - Crabtree Fields. Robert Dale Owen (1801-1877), Museum. Although the two men tice builder to Mr Webster in This was where Robert whom he considered superior as collaborated they were from Robert Street (just the other side Owen lectured every week from a writer to his father. Wallace vastly different backgrounds. of Euston Road from Warren 1833 onwards. He also lectured thoroughly supported his view Street) with his brother John in a few doors north at the that "the only true and wholy CHARLES DARWIN 1837. While working there he Institution of the Industrious beneficial religion was that were at the house of Darwin's became converted to the socialist Classes in 19 Whitfield Street (93 which inculcated the service of brother, Erasmus, a doctor, at 6 ideas of Robert Owen at meet - John Street at the time), and at humanity, and whose only Queen Anne Street off Portland ings in Whitfield Street. the Literary and Scientific dogma was the brotherhood of Place. Earlier Darwin had lived In the evenings he and his Institute at 36-40 Whitfield Street man." at 110 Gower Street (when it was brother frequently went to what (23 John Street at the time) a lit - Owen had another base in 12 Upper Gower Street) from was termed the "Hall of Science" tle later in the 1840s. Whitfield Street - the Institution 1838 to 1842. in Whitfield Street. This was the In his autobiography, "My of the Industrial Classes which One of the "most interesting, National Equitable Labour Life, A Record of Events and was at number 19 (when it was amusing, and eccentric" men Exchange, the front entrance of Opinion", Wallace stated: "It was 93 John Street) from 1834. Wallace knew in London was Dr which was at 30 Charlotte Street really a kind of club or mechan - In 1848 Wallace studied Theodosius Purland, a dentist (number 14 at the time) and is ics' institute for advanced insects in the British Museum who lived at 40 Mortimer Street now L'Etoile restaurant, and the thinkers among workmen, and and told Edward Doubleday, (which was number 7 at the back entrance was in Whitfield especially for the followers of who was in charge of the butter - time). He was totally against the flies there, that he was planning ROBERT DALE OWEN Street (John Street at the time) at Robert Owen, the founder of the use of anaesthetics, but some - exploring the world to find times mesmerised patients dur - other specimens. Doubleday ing operations, recalled Wallace. advised him there were very few Their friendship ended when specimens from Northern Brazil, Wallace went to be treated by so he set off from there. On his Purland and made the mistake return in 1852 he again frequent - of asking for an anaesthetic for ly visited the British Museum's three or four extractions. This insect and bird collections, from was anathema to Purland who which he decided to next "despised any one who could explore the great Malayan not bear the pain of tooth draw - Archipelago (as Indonesia, ing, and would turn away any Hair Salon, 31 Tottenham Street, W1T 4RR Malaysia and Singapore were patient who required the gas to then known). He sailed there be administered." He gave from 1854 to 1858, and again in Wallace the name of another Special offer with this advert only 1862 - collecting a total of 8,540 dentist and said he could not species of insects. continue to be the friend of a Wben he came up with his man who asked him to do such 50% off usual price of all hair ideas of natural selection and a thing. the survival of the fittest he summarised them in a letter in 1858 to Darwin, whom he Picture puzzle cutting, styling and treatments admired. The effect upon the lat - ter "was at first almost 10am to 5pm — Monday to Sunday paralysing. He had, as I after - by appointment — 020 7636 2002 wards learnt, hit upon the same ideas as my own 20 years earli - er..." Darwin had not published New clients only — Offer ends 31 August 2013 them up until then but soon rushed into print in 1859 to avoid being seen to be beaten by Wallace. How well do you know During the years 1863 to Fitzrovia’s landscape? Can you 1872 Darwin, frequently walked identify where the picture above to Wallace's house in St Mark's was taken by Eugene Katie & Sonia Crescent, Regent's Park for long McConville? The answer is conversations with him. But below the Sherlock Homes pic - there most frequent discussions ture at the top of page 7. 14 Features Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 A tingle of excitement Lightening darkest hours

The Missing Room, by Brian Jarvis (available at www.amazon.co.uk) Reviewed by Norman Coates in Middlesex Hospital

’ve always felt uncomfortable somewhere in the old home is a "Still Standing -The Savage Years" by Paul O’Grady (Bantam with the idea of one author Press). Reviewed by Julia Cumming Ireviewing another author’s hidden room, which, when final - book. Surely there must be an ele - ly discovered, reveals yet further his book is a great read - writ - ment of ‘I’ll scratch your back, if mysteries regarding Lloyd’s ten in response to continual you’ll scratch mine’ about it? I was long dead parents. The discover - Tquestioning by London cab - dead against that sort of thing until bies along the lines of ‘How did the editor of the Fitrovia News sug - ing of the room - by Lloyd and you get started in this game, then?’ gested I might like to review local the amateur sleuths that he has It covers a huge span of time author, Brian Jarman’s, debut novel gathered around him - gave me starting in the 1980s when come - (The Missing Room), and he, in the same tingle of excitement I’d dian Paul O’Grady worked as a return, would review mine (Beard). felt as a boy, gripped by the I instantly threw aside my reserva - care officer for Camden Council, tions, and cried ‘Yes!’ adventures of The Famous Five, a job he later resumed during The Missing Room, not sur - except, of course, The Missing the Lily Savage years. prisingly - given that the author Room is not a children’s book. Lily emerged more by is a seasoned journalist and lec - The story also gives Jarman chance than design when Paul turer in same - is a terrific read. the chance to delve into a bit of stood in for the regular compere The story is largely set in Wales Welsh history with an account of of drag acts in Vauxhall. There 17th century religious conflicts and is beautifully written and by a mysterious medical condi - was no forward planning - he between Catholics and includes detailed descriptions of tion. Forced by his illness to went on stage and Lily was Protestants, a fascinating detour the area around Llanfair which leave a successful career in born. which proves to be essential to made this (one quarter) South America, he puts himself The book is full of humour the plot. Welshman feel slightly homesick in the care of an old Aunt, still in response to life’s vicissitudes It a great read, beautifully - although I was born 6,000 living in the family’s traditional but equally demonstrates a Middlesex Hospital. At that time written, with excellent dialogue, miles away. home. As it turns out, Lloyd’s deeply compassionate heart. It’s no one was quite sure how the and interesting human observa - The protagonist, in Jarman’s illness is not the only mystery packed with stories about deal - infection was transmitted and tions. I certainly recommend it. story, is Lloyd, a man afflicted around. It’s rumoured that ing with some of the more this led to some extraordinary unusual aspects of life, such as: measures. * Finding out there’s little Paul asked Tim why he told camaraderie between strippers. him of his diagnosis. Tim Engaging and quirky * Fire eating - learning the replied: ‘I didn’t tell you - I told craft and creating a blow-out Lily.’ Paul was so overcome he "Beard" by Norman Coates (published in South Africa by Penstock worthy of Mount Etna. did not use the lift to leave the Publishers and available as an ebook from Amazon). * Returning from hospital but went down the Reviewed by Brian Jarman. Scandinavia late at night after a stairs so no one could see him eard is not for the sexually faint-hearted. It draws on the South tour as a drag act to crying. African origins and theatrical background of the Ftizrovian author to Huddersfield at the height of the There’s a moving story about bring us a debut novel that is original, superbly-crafted, funny and B Yorkshire Ripper murders. a man Paul met at a bus shelter. moving. He used to talk to Paul going Trevor is a fify-something Neighbours reported that bin back to Jamaica. It turned out theatre designer in Capetown. bags were being moved into his from this man’s daughter that he He lives with his long-term part - flat and the police were called to was dying and could not go ner Howard, a former art-dealer, investigate. back. So he enjoyed talking to Fitzrovia who is elderly and ailing. * Reacting to a riot on your Paul - referring to him as the There’s a lot of love there, but doorstep. Paul was holding a man off the telly with a dog. Neighbourhood Trevor needs something more. A Riot Party during the Toxteth The author finds humour can brief encounter. Riots. When the rioting got too lighten the darkest hour. When Association So he embarks on a journey close for comfort Paul poked a he went to view the body of his into cyperspace to find a lover. the backstage staff are very blunderbuss (not in working is moving to new mother he expected her to open And it takes him to some pretty funny indeed and underpin the order) out of the window and one eye. Realisation dawned unusual places – places to which novel, giving it both authenticity said: ‘Git off my land, varmints’ premises during when he felt her hand and it we readers might never other - and wackiness. - something he had always June 2013 to was cold. wise go – including the South It’s written in the present wanted to do. As I give to the world so the African wilderness where he tense – not always an easy trick I particularly liked the way 5A Goodge Place, world shall give to me. meets a Scottish hunter, bearer to pull off – and Coates’ prose these stories are interspersed W1T 4SD of the eponymous beard. rolls along with a invigorating with recollections of people he 020 7580 4576 Trevor’s sexual adventures pace and rhythm. But under - met during his time as a care are interwoven with a nightmar - neath this light, sprightly style officer and the reactions of those [email protected] ish production of the classic lie some of life’s deeper matters around him to his clients. A fitzrovia.org.uk French farce Hotel Paradiso that for a gay couple coping with woman kicked Paul on the Tube Trevor has designed. It turns out ageing and illness as the twilight for ‘being evil to let his younger that the fading star is too dod - gathers. brother swear.’ The client had Our drop-in housing and welfare dery to get up his grand stair - Its artistic and literary allu - Tourettes Syndrome. advice service open case. This leads by a route that is sions, along with the exotic Paul was asked to leave the Tuesdays 10am to 1.30pm tortuous for Trevor to a Post- South African backdrop, give it British Museum and a café on Modern version of the play (he an engaging and quirky quality Tottenham Court Road because Women-only housing and welfare confesses he doesn’t know what of which designer Trevor would of the behaviour of the clients. advice: Wednesdays 11am to 1pm this means) involving a stairlift, no doubt approve. He notes if people could see past graffiti and a Chico Marx wig. If some of the early momen - the illness they would find “an The waspish observations of tum slows towards the end we intelligent and endearing young do not care. By then the richly- man”. drawn and multi-dimensional In the early 1980s Paul characters – a great strength – recalls how AIDS was first Bloomsbury ward have entered our lives and we becoming prevalent and how he do not want them to leave. Will used to visit patients in the Our new address: councillors’ surgeries Trevor and Howard survive Middlesex Hospital. He was vis - 179 Tottenham Court 6:00 - 7:00pm first Friday of the month at together (back to Brief iting a young man called Tim Road, London Fitzrovia Community Centre, Foley Street, W1W 6DN Encounter again)? who was dying of AIDS. The 6:00 - 7:00pm second and fourth Fridays of the month at I hear Mr Coates has warned nurse offered him a gown and W1T 7NZ Marchmont Community Centre, 62 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB his sisters not to read this novel. gloves and directed him to a tel: (020) 7636 9222 Third Friday of the month is a 'roving surgery'. Get in touch if you would Fortunately, dear reader, you are side room where yellow tape fax: (020) 7637 3553 like us to conduct the surgery at your street or building. under no such enjoinder. Go on. was on the door. Paul declined [email protected] Adam Harrison, Milena Nuti, and Abdul Quadir I dare you. Who knows, it could these protective procedures. www.goodgelaw.com I remember that era well. I Contact 020 7974 3111 or [email protected] turn out to be a Fifty Shades of Gay. But then, that would be was a newly qualified nurse in [email protected] [email protected] doing it a great disservice. 1984 and worked at the Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 15 Ten years ago Unflinchingly honest... Plaque unveiled Backing Into Light, by Colin to Saki, soldier Spencer (Quartet Books). period amongst the bizarre Reviewed by Sebastian eccentrics who were habitués of and subversive Wayneflete. the Brighton gay scene, passion - ate involvements with both men writer he latest publication by and women, a disastrous mar - riage, and fatherhood. Goodge-Street-based Quartet A blue plaque was unveiled by Books has an unexpected These years saw his first suc - T novelist and broadcaster Will intimate connection to the Fitzrovia cesses as he was commissioned Neighbourhood Centre. by the Times LIterary Self to the short story writer Saki Backing Into Light is the first Supplement to do drawings of at 97 Mortimer Street, where he volume of the autobiography of the greatest writers of the day, rented rooms from 1909 until Colin Spencer. Many will know his first novels were published being killed in 1916 during the Spencer from his many years as and first plays performed. The war. a campaigning food columnist account is full of clear-eyed Self described Saki (real for the Guardian or for his observation and thoughtful name Hector Hugh Munro) as "a much-treasured vegetarian cook - reflection, as well as comic inci - subversive writer." He had his ery books, 18 in all (“the greatest dent, and wittily acute observa - brains blown out after telling living food writer” – Germaine tions and revelations which another soldier to put out his Greer) or for his award-winning cigarette, said Self, and "I am Dave Ferris, sketched in 1968 never appear in the textbooks British Food – an Extraordinary his Gay Kama Sutra, or about major cultural figures of sure he would have found it dis - Thousand Years of History. Homosexuality – a History. But playwright, and author of nine the time. turbing today to see us on the Others may know him better for he is also an acclaimed artist, published novels, whose novel And the connection to the verge of another conflict involv - sequence Generation was Neighbourhood Centre? Dave ing British troops." described by Sir Huw Wheldon Ferris, who worked at the David Fogarty, who worked as “...affecting, hilarious and Centre as Neighbourhood for the Performing Rights Eccentric preacher grave ... a tapestry of unforget - Worker from the end of 1976 for Society in Berners Street, had table characters in all their a quarter of a century to 2001. campaigned for the plaque to be erected. Murders & Mayhem in the seaminess and sadness, their He first appears in the book, ten The Drill Hall arts venue in West End of London, by Alan idealism and desires.” years before he started at the Chenies Street was refurbished Brooke and David Brandon. This first volume of his Centre, as a youthful Canadian Reviewed by Mike Pentelow memoirs begins: “A few weeks “with a strong accent which and upgraded with funding before I was born, sometime that grated and slim hips which from the National Lottery, An eccentric preacher, appropri - June in 1933...my father was delighted”, about to begin secre - Camden Council and 50 other ately called Church, boldly intent on murdering me. Drunk tarial work for Spencer, and con - bodies. It was built in 1882 for defied the homophobic laws of and amidst a tirade of vitupera - tinues as his companion through the Bloomsbury Rifles brigade, the 19th century. tion, waving a kitchen knife he an idyllic summer on the Isle of and was used by the Russian John Church (1782-1835) fre - was threatening to stab my Lesbos. He’s last glimpsed in ballet dancer Nijinsky for quented Whitefield's Chapel at mother in the womb.” He goes these page sipping champagne rehearsals in the early 1900s. 79 Tottenham Court Road on to describe his childhood with the likes of Harold Acton, BT Tower, in Howland where, although married, he met during the war, dominated by Lord Kinross and Paul Dehn, Street, was given listed building and fell in love with one William that raucous, womanising but script-writer for Goldfinger and status by arts minister Tessa Webster, with whom he formed irrepressible father. The Spy Who Came in from the Blackstone, who said: a gay partnership in 1801. The story continues through Cold. "Structures like the BT Tower are Later he was sacked as a the 50s and 60s, with a traumatic All mega stuff, unflinchingly cultural and architectural icons parish minister for sodomising stint doing his National Service honest and exuberantly enter - of Harold Wilson's 'white heat of dence that Church woke him up "several young bucks", so working in a VD clinic, culmi - taining. Giant thumbs-up recom - technology'." in the night "by holding his gen - became a bogus chaplain at a nated in a suicide attempt, a mendation. (from Fitzrovia News, April 2003). pub where he carried out mock itals and feigning his mistress's marriages for up to four male voice." After serving his two couples at a time. year sentence Church continued He was finally jailed for to preach to packed congrega - sodomy in 1817 after a 19-year- tions. old apprentice potter gave evi - His tale is told in "Murders & Misdemeanours in the West End of London, 1800-1850" by Alan Brooke and David Brandon. Shiv Others in the book include three body snatchers executed Pharmacy for the murder of a 14-year-old Italian vagrant, whose corpse 70 Great Titchfield Street they supplied to the private London W1W 7QN medical school of Edward Tuson at Windmill Street in 1831. The Prescriptions victim, Carlo Fariere, had last Multivitamins been seen alive displaying a cage of white mice in Oxford Herbal Medications Street to passers-by for coins. Natural and Two 13-year-olds and a 12- Homeopathic year-old were sentenced to ! produce death in 1821 for stealing six sil - ver spoons, which they tried to ! dispose of in the cellar of the "#$!%&'"(!)'&&*+!'",!-./0'"1!+'2#+!3! Friendly Medical Jacob's Well pub in Charlotte Street. 2#44*"5+!.%%*-#!".$!.0#"! Advice Unfortunately the book per - ! Open Monday to Friday petuates the inaccuracy that fla - 8.30am to 6pm gellist brothel owner Theresa 0&.0#&41!C*&#,!%.&!+'2#+!'",!&#"4'2+! Tel/Fax Berkley was based at 28 4)&.75).74!%*48&.9*'! Charlotte Street. In fact she ! 020 7580 2393 whipped her well-to-do clients at what is now 84-94 Hallam %.&!'!%&##!/'&(#4!'00&'*+'2!02#'+#!-'22!7+!."! [email protected] Street, in Marylebone, which was also called Charlotte Street :;:!<=:>!====!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?@ABCADE@FGEDD?HIJBIKF! at the time. 16 Listings Fitzrovia News 129 Summer 2013 WHAT’S ON AROUND FITZROVIA Email [email protected] by August 19 for the September 2013 issue, and put "Listings" in the subject box. EXHIBITIONS Hanmi Gallery , 30 Maple St (hanmi - British Museum , Great Russell St ART gallery.co.uk): Check web. This 1959 (britishmuseum.org): Life and Death Gallery Libby Sellers , 41 Berners St horror movie Pompeii and Herculaneum, until (libbysellers.com): Paola Petrobelli GALLERIES is showing at Sept 29; Silver service: fine dining in (New Works in Glass) to June 14. UCL on July Roman Britain, until Aug 4; The art 4 Windmill Street , 4 Windmill St Josh Lilley , 44-46 Riding House St 4 (see under of influence: Asian propaganda, (4windmillstreet.com): Check web. (joshlilleygallery.com): Various until Sept 1; Recent acquisitions: Alison Jacques Gallery , 18 Berners Artists (The Scandalized Mask) to Cinema/Film) Arcimboldo to Kitaj, until Sept 1. St (alisonjacquesgallery.com): Shela July 6. . Grant Museum of Zoology , 21 Hicks (Pecher dans la Riviere) to Laure Genillard , 2 Hanway Place University St June 29. (lglondon.org): Check web. (ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology): Arch One , 12 Percy St (archonepic - Lazarides Gallery , 11 Rathbone LIVE MUSIC LIVE COMEDY Sculptures by Slade students, until tureframing.co.uk): Various artists, Place (lazinc.com): Robert del Naja College Arms , 18 Store St: Mondays end of August. ongoing. aka 3D (Fire Sale) to June 20; Charlie The Albany, 240 Great Portland St at 8pm. Royal Institute of British Art First , 21 Eastcastle St Isoe, June 28 to July 25. (thealbanyw1w.co.uk): Ukeleles on Fitzroy Tavern , 16 Charlotte St: Architects , Gallery One, 66 Portland (artfirst.co.uk): Margaret Hunter Margaret Street Gallery , 63 Wednesdays. Wednesdays at 7.30pm in basement. Place (architecture.com): Welcome to (Stepping Places) to June 21; Natural Margaret Street (margaretstreet - Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way (cul- Wheatsheaf , 25 Rathbone Place: the 'Social', the social dimension to History, June 27 to Aug 16. gallery.com): Christian Vogt (Today tura-embavenez-uk.org): Clara Improvisation on Thursdays, architecture, until June 28. Arup Phase 2 , 8 Fitzroy St I’ve Been You), to July 6. Rodriquez, piano, June 6, 7.30 pm. 8.30pm, and stand-up on Saturdays, UCL (ucl.ac.uk/events): Flaxman (arup.com/phase 2): Check web. Modern Art , 6 Fitzroy Square (mod - Jet Lag, 125 Cleveland St: Jamming 7.30pm upstairs. and his circle, until end of year, Bartha Contemporary , 25 Margaret ernart.net): Ricky Swallow, to June on Mondays 7pm, blues and boogie Main Library, Wilkins Building, St (barthacontemporary.com): 29; Tom of Finland, July 5 to Aug 10. on Thursdays 8pm. CINEMA/FILM King & Queen, 1 Foley St : Folk Gower St; Foreign Bodies Exhibition, Henrik Eiben (Now’s the Time) to Nancy Victor, 6 Charlotte Place Green Man , 36 Riding House St: once a month on Fridays (visit web until July 14, North Cloisters, June 22; Takashi Suzuki (A Week in (nancyvictor.com): Laurie Storey London Animation Club, first mustradclub.co.uk). Wilkins Building, Gower St; London), June 25-29; Accrochage, (Snow of his Young Life), to June 10; Tuesday of month. TCR Bar, 182 Tottenham Court Rd: Slade/UCL Art Museum July-Aug. Mary Dalton, June 13-28. Odeon , 30 Tottenham Court Road: Live music Sundays 8-12. Collaboration Exhibition until June Black Arts Company , 73 Great Nati Gallery , 22 Warren Str (nati - Weekly film details from The 100 Club, 100 Oxford St 7, UCL Art Museum, South Titchfield St (theblackarts.org): gallery.com): Check web. www.odeon.co.uk or 08712 244007. (the100club.co.uk): James Hunter Cloisters, Gower St. Check web. National Print Gallery , 56 Maple St SERTUC Film Club , Congress Six, June 11; Law Rocks, June 13; Wellcome Library , 183 Euston Rd Building Centre , Store St (building - (nationalprintgallery.com): Check House, Great Russell St: ser - Future Rock, every Friday. (wellcomecollection.org): Souzou: centre.co.uk): Check web. web. [email protected] for future UCL Chamber Music Club, Outsider Art from Japan, to June 30. Caroll / Fletcher, 56-57 Eastcastle St Nettie Horn , 17A Riding House St screenings. Haldane Room, Main Campus, (carrollfletcher.com): Thomson & (nettiehorn.com): Ivan Argote + 2 Screen @ Rada , Malet St, opposite Gower St (ucl.ac.uk/chamber- Craighead (Never Odd or Even) to (The Democracy of Objects), to June Birkbeck College (rada.org): The music): Mozart's lesser known TALKS July 6. 15; Antti Laitinen, June 21 to July 27. Audience, National Theatre Live works, June 4, 5-6.30pm. UCL (ucl.ac.uk): Alzheimer's Coningsby Gallery /Debut Art , 30 Paradise Row , 74 Newman St (par - broadcast, starring Helen Mirren as Research, June 17, 1-3.30pm, Wilkins Tottenham St adiserow.com): Majed Aslam (Anti- the Queen, June 13, 7pm and June Old Refectory, Gower St. (coningsbygallery.com): Helen Friel Perspirant), June 7 to July 13. THEATRE 15, 2pm. (Waiting Game) to June 14; Pilar Corrias , 54 Eastcastle St (pilar - UCL film screenings (ucl.ac.uk): Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima, corrias.com): Juliao Sarmento (75 Bloomsbury Theatre , 15 Gordon St Open City Docs Fest (four-day docu - OTHER EVENTS June 17-28; Hubbawelcome (What’s Photographs), to June 27; (thebloomsbury.com): Peter Pan, mentary film festival), June 20-23, at Grant Museum of Zoology, 21 the Point …), July 1-6. (Topodendrophilia), July 4 to Aug June 15-16; Blackburn International UCL campus (info@opencitylon - University St Contemporary Applied Arts , 2 13. presents Variety Live, June 17-18; don.com). The Killer Shrews, 1959 (ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology): Percy St (caa.org.uk): Check web. The Piper Gallery , 18 Newman St London Student Drama Festival, film showing on July 4, 6.30-9pm, at Beetle Bingo, June 19, 6.30-8.30 pm, Curwen Gallery , 34 Windmill St (thepipergallery.com): Etienne Viard, June 19; Andy Parsons, Oct 3. JZ Young Lecture Theatre, Medical teams up to five, free entry but must (curwengallery.com): Andrew June 14 to July 26. Camden People's Theatre , 58-60 Sciences and Anatomy Building, book at [email protected]. Macara, Hannah Battershell, June 5- Rebecca Hossack Gallery (1) , 2a Hampstead Rd (cptheatre.co.uk): Gower St, UCL (ucl.ac.uk): Midsummer Rites, 29. Conway St (r-h-g.co.uk): Willie Beta Public, experiment and enter - June 22, 12-4pm, Wilkins Roof Gallery Different , 14 Percy St Landels (Recent Works) tainment from performance artists, WALKS Garden, Wilkins Building, Gower St; (gallerydifferent.co.uk): Denis Jun 5 to 29 – Aaron Kasmin (Closely June 14, 7pm. Head to Head, an Egyptological Bloomsbury (haunts The Untold Story of Che in Bolivia Bowen, to July 6. Observed), until June 29. experience of mental illness, June 20. of Sir William Petrie), July 6, 12-2pm, book launch, June 26, 5.30pm, England & Co , 90-92 Great Portland Rebecca Hossack Gallery (2), 28 Dominion Theatre , 269 Tottenham starting at UCL Petrie Museum, Lecture Theatre 103, 51 Gordon St (englandgallery.com): Cecilia Charlotte St (www.r-h-g.co.uk): Court Rd (dominiontheatre.co.uk): Malet Place. Square. Vicuna, to June 29. Sylvain Lefebvre (Timeless Voyages) We Will Rock You, ongoing. Exposure , 22-23 Little Portland St until June 29. London Palladium , Argyll St (the- (exposure.net): Check web. Regina Gallery , 22 Eastcastle St london-palladium.com): A Chorus 6 Fitzroy Square: The Perfect Venue Framers Gallery , 36 Windmill St (reginagallery.com): Check web. Line. (theframersgallery.co.uk): Simon Rook and Raven , 7/8 Rathbone New Diorama Theatre , 15 Triton St, Greaves (Paintings & Prints) and Place (rookandraven.co.uk): Stephen opposite top of Fitzroy St (newdiora - The perfect venue for meetings, launches, Henry Cook (The Energy in Tompkins (Chaos-Contra-Chaos) ma.com): Kubrick - Edinburgh seminars, dinners, wedding receptions and Everyday Things), July 1-6. from June 13. Fringe artists, July 31-Aug 26. other corporate events. Fred - London , 17 Riding House St Rose Issa Projects , 82 Great RADA , Malet St, opposite Birkbeck (fred-london.com): Geraldine Portland St (roseissa.com): Hossein College (rada.org): Swayne (New Paintings) to July 13. Valamanesh (Breath) to June 28. Gielguid Theatre : Phaedra's Love, Gallery at 94 , 94 Cleveland St Rosenfeld Porcini , 37 Rathbone St until June 8. The Georgian Group’s elegant (galleryat94.com): Check web. (rosenfeldporcini.com): Francisc de GBS Theatre : When She Danced, eighteenth-century headquarters Getty Images Gallery , 46 Eastcastle Corcuera (The Impossible existence until June 8; The New Electric overlooking Fitzroy Square provide St (gettyimagesgallery.com): Check …) to June 27. Ballroom/Love and Money/M a unique location for all types of web. Richard Saltoun , 111 Great Butterfly, June 27 to July 6. private and corporate events in the Titchfield St (richardsaltoun.com): Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre : Love heart of central London. Helen Chadwick (Works from the For Love, until June 8; Twelfth Estate) to June 28. Night/The Taming of the Advertise in Scream Gallery , 27-28 Eastcastle St Shrew/Much Ado About Nothing, (whisperfineart.co.uk): Static June 26 to July 6. We cordially invite local Fitzrovia News (Phantasms of Living) until July 20. Rada Studios , 16 Chenies Street: businesses and individuals to visit Our rates are very Store Street Gallery , 32 Store St BBC Ticket office our building and get a taste of the (storestreetgallery.com): (Synergy) to authentic Georgian experience… reasonable and we July 6. PUB QUIZZES Tiwani Contemporary , 16 Little The Albany , 240 Great Portland St: distribute copies Portland St (tiwani.co.uk): Gideon Every Tuesday. For booking enquiries, throughout Fitzrovia. Mendel (Drowning World) until July One Tun , 58 Goodge St: Every availability and rates please contact: [email protected] 27. Tuesday, 8pm. T J Boulting , 59 Riding House St Prince of Wales Feathers , 8 Warren Rob Kouyoumdjian on (tjboulting.com): Check web. St: Every Monday, 7pm. 020 7529 8921 or Woolff Gallery , 89 Charlotte St [email protected] Please mention (woolffgallery.co.uk): Annemarie KARAOKE Wright, to June 19; White Dolemite, Fitzrovia News June 21 to July 6. TCR Bar , 182 Tottenham Court Rd: Live mike for singers to live backing when replying to band, Thurdays, 7pm. One Tun , 58 Goodge St: Last advertisers Saturday of month.