Home Poster: Demolition Day Out

Poster: Demolition Day Out

Object

Poster

Production date

1993

Object number

1994.13

Physical Description

Poster 'Demolition Day Out', white paper, multi-coloured print. To advertise entertainments organized to mark to demolition of a tower block on Hackney Marshes.

Object history

In 1948 the Metropololitan Borough of Hackney committed to building estates no more than three floors high. However, by the 1950s the long waiting lists for homes, the scarcity of avaliable building land and financial incentives from the government led to the borough following the trend towards 'high-rise' multi-storey towers.

At the time they were viewed as a symbol of modern living and progress. However, local authorities had little or no experience maintaining these properties, and they began to fall into disrepair.

Between 1985 and 2002 Hackney demolished 17 tower blocks - more than any other authority in Europe. These were often blown up in front of huge, festive crowds.

Associated Person

Ken Meharg (Artist)

Associated Place

Material

paper

Dimension

Height: 420mm
Width: 297mm

Credit line

Copyright Annie + Ken Meharg

On display?

No

Inscription

Sun 10 Oct '93
8am - 3pm
Free

Demolition Day OUt
Hackney Marshes
London E9

cei
Comprehensive Estates Initiative
Clapton Park