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Photograph

Object

Photograph

Production date

12/1986

Object number

1988.36

Physical Description

Photograph of the group responsible for restoring Hackney Empire on the night of its re-opening in 1986

Associated Organisation

Associated Place

Hackney Empire (Place)

Material

Photo

Dimension

Width: 162mm
Height: 108mm

Exhibition Label

"Hackney Empire is Hackney's most luscious building - a palace of varieties and home to London's best pantomimes. But the Empire was saved only after an epic struggle against commercial interests and indifferent bureaucrats. This picture shows the night the Empire re-opened in 1986 after a period as a bingo hall.

Roland Muldoon, saviour-in-chief, is second from the left on the front row. The set faces looking at the camera show a determination to make it happen - and they did! The poster recalls one of the gigs from the time, performed by artists appearing for little or nothing in support of the cause. It was a good battle won by people who cared for and loved this iconic building."

Chosen by Laurie Elks
Keeper of St Augustine's Tower

On display?

No