In the early 70's I did some odd jobs for Sam Wanamaker, on his "Globe" project. His first project was the "Bear Gardens Museum". I painted the sign, among other small tasks.
Sam was very good at getting things done on a small budget. One local builder donated 2 days work for his best man to lay the York stone slabs in front of the Museum.
I remember the office where Sam worked from. It was a fairly modern bog standard 2 storey block. I think it was on the corner of Bear Gardens but I cannot be sure. I also remember that Sam had the use of the buildings the other side of Cardinal Caps Alley. He used the lower floor for storage.
I have searched a lot of images from that time but I cannot find the 50's + office block. I have not been able to find anything linking Sam to the Museum either. As it was his first project, I thought it should be of interest.
If anyone has any information or photos, I would love to see them.
Cheers, Dave Hilditch.
David, I can't help, but was SW responsible for the Globe marquis? Just behind that there was a boarded off area that was full of sand, like dunes, we believed that Laurence of Arabia or Beau Gest was filmed there, unlikely.
Dave
Go to the Southwark Council planning applications webpage and look up application 11/AP/4297. When you get there click on "Related Documents" and then "View associated documents". Have a look at "Document - TOWNSCAPE AND CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT", parts 1, 2, 4 and 5, but especially pages 7 and 8 of part 5. Parts 1, 2, 4 and 5 all contain photos of Bear Gardens and nearby places, but pages 7 and 8 of part 5 may show the 1950s (?) building that you remember.
Of course, I may be wrong! Only you will know, once you've looked at the pictures.
There's a good picture of the museum on the City of London's Collage website - shows it looking how I remember it.
Tom
I've just seen this as I am searching for a film that Sam Wanamaker had made to publicise his project to rebuild the Globe. The film was called, I think, 'Shakespeare's London'. It was made in about 1972. If you know of a copy please let me know
I think the 'marquis' mentioned upthread might be the Bankside Globe Playhouse. This was a temporary theatre that Sam had for summer seasons from about 1970-75. It was a well built wooden structure with a canvas roof (marquee). It was in front of Bankside Power Station (now Tate Modern). I worked front of house there sometimes for a couple of Sumners.
Views expressed in this discussion forum are those of the contributors and may not reflect the editorial policy of this website. Please read our terms and conditions