Welcome to the Elstree & Borehamwood Museum blog.
This blog is about all those happenings inside and outside the Museum that have caught our attention.
From events and exhibitions, to new discoveries in the collections, to news and views.
Any comments and items to go here please contact Simon on info@elstree-museum.org.uk
Our Museum Curator Dave Armitage noticed some comments in Wynn Everett's memoir (now back in stock) concerning an 'unknown' pub called The Duke of Marlborough. She said the pub was located at 'Suicide Corner', where the A5 meets the A41, and was owned by Sir Trevor Dawson of Edgwarebury House fame who half-timbered it. Not knowing the pub himself, its exact location hung around in the Museum atmosphere for a couple of years until confirmation of 'Suicide Corner' came from a wartime bus schedule and an old map just last week.
So our new Trustee, John Cartledge, set to work with his extensive knowledge of maps and found a building near where the Corner would be when the Watford By-Pass was built, marked as a 'BH' or 'Beer House' on the OS map of 1913. As he said '
And today? It's under the M1 now. We have no photos of the building and it's just about out of living memory. Does anyone have any knowledge of the pub? And why was a roundabout on the Watford By-Pass called 'Suicide Corner'? Reach us via our email!
Vote for us! Yes, it's time to vote again - this time for the Hertfordshire Museum Object of the Year. Our entry is the Tipsy Nipper Aircraft which is on display right now in our current exhibition, Up, Up And Away! - The Story of Elstree Aerodrome. Not just an object in a glass case you can sit in it and simulate a flight from Elstree. It's historically accurate too. See the photo below! Vote here!
Look out for a new Plaque dedicated to Paul Welsh next to the bench at the entrance to Tescos. Paul was responsible for all the film plaques around town, so it is only fitting he has his very own now. It tells his story of a local lad who saved the studios and became a foremost authority of the history of film, particularly those made in this area. His 'Elstree Project' is an archive of filmed interviews with not only the stars, but also those who worked behind the cameras in this creative industry.
The September 2024 Newsletter has just been uploaded to this website because the new January 2025 is now available. Sent to the Friends of the Museum every quarter it is an exclusive read for three months for our Friends who help us survive and grow. This letter includes a fascinating exploration of the Imperial Studios and the British & Dominions Film Co established by Herbert Wilcox in 1927. It produced many famous films until the studios burnt down in 1936. It's not a well-known story, so if you want to learn more - please visit our Get Involved page and become a Friend Friends Page.
Following on from our last blog entry, further tributes to Paul Welsh can be found in the most recent Borehamwood Times. Four articles featuring his life story and achievements can be found online in the edition dated December 19th - link here.
It's Christmas! Well, nearly. It's coming up fast, so make sure you have your local Christmas Cards ready to send out. Get them from us - the Museum has over 35 designs featuring local snow scenes and paintings. Still only £1 for the large and 50p. for the small. Here's a few of our cards :
On sale now is a new book from Alan Martin with his personal memories of life and times at Borehamwood Grammar School in the late 50s and early 60s. Growing up in the town, adjusting to a 'grammar school life' and the influence of his teachers on sport, culture, and behaviour. A fascinating look back at a time when everything seemed to be changing around you, and when the sixties seemed so full of promise.
And back in stock is a book about a local legend - The Winn Everett Story by Avril Chick. This has been out-of-print for a while but we have decided to reprint it because it's the story of a much-loved local GP in Elstree who is still remembered by many in this area. The book includes Winn's talks to local groups, and newspaper reports on her life.
We return to #MemoriesMonday as the Autumn sets in and thoughts turn to Borehamwood in the past. Many long-term residents talk about the
Of course it was eventually demolished and all trace disappeared apart from a mound here and there in the
Now back on our shelves after a short absence is Paul Welsh's memories of 50 years of the film studios in Borehamwood and Elstree. Includes many photos of the stars who have worked here, and, of course, his campaign to save Elstree Studios in the late 80s and 90s. An essential read for anyone interested in the film industry and local history!
On #MemoriesMonday we have an intriguing story for you. One of the Most Missed buildings in Borehamwood is the MGM Studios and its famous landmark of a tower. And atop this tower were the letters that could be seen far and wide. We've just received photos of a set of these letters and a really good provenance to prove that they still exist, and didn't get destroyed when the tower was demolished.
You may say that's unlikely, but it is an intriguing story. Somewhere out there is the answer....
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