Battersea Power Station: From Coal to Culture

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  • Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
  • Battersea Power Station is one of London’s most iconic landmarks; an Art Deco masterpiece which has made many appearances in music, film and television.
    In this video I’d like to share the fascinating history of Battersea Power Station with you, and as we go along I’ll also be counting down what I consider to be its top 15 appearances in popular culture... so please do be sure to stay tuned to the end to see which one makes the top spot!
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Chapters:
    00:00 Intro
    01:57 Cholera & Coney Island
    04:18 Power For London
    05:24 Battersea Power Station in Popular Culture (Part 1)
    07:02 Opposition to Battersea Power Station
    09:49 Sir Giles Gilbert Scott
    12:08 Battersea Power Station in Popular Culture (Part 2)
    14:12 Constructing Battersea Power Station
    15:54 Battersea Power Station Comes to Life
    18:25 Battersea Power Station in Popular Culture (Part 3)
    19:36 Battersea Power Station B & Beyond
    22:44 Decommissioning & Dereliction
    25:47 Battersea Power Station in Popular Culture (Part 4)
    27:34 Battersea Power Station Today
    30:31 Battersea Power Station in Popular Culture (Part 5)
    31:55 Outro
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I’d love to hear your own thoughts on Battersea Power Station.
    Have you visited it in its current guise? If so, what did you make of it… and what other cameos in music, film and television can you think of?
    Please be sure to let me know in the comments!
    Thank you so much to all of you who support my channel with your kind words, likes and shares.
    If you're feeling extra generous, you can also support my work with a tip via either the UA-cam 'thanks' button (which appears as a heart icon below the video), or alternatively, via my Ko-fi account:
    ko-fi.com/robslondon
    Any such financial donations are of course greatly appreciated, and they really do help when it comes to creating content.
    I have an online store too- robsonlinedesigns- where you can purchase an array of London themed mugs, featuring hand illustrated designs of taxis, tube trains, buses and so on:
    www.etsy.com/uk/shop/robsonli...
    My other links:
    Twitter:
    / cabmirror
    Instagram:
    robert_lord...
    Battersea Power Station Lift 109 Experience:
    batterseapowerstation.co.uk/r...
    Thanks again for watching, friends. Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Credit
    Images:
    Inflatable pig footage:
    Pink Floyd Channel: • Pink Floyd - Animals 2...
    Southwark Water Works Map: National Library of Scotland
    London at Night Footage: Periscope Film channel
    Sir Francis Fladgate: National Portrait Gallery
    Ellen Gilbert Scott image: National Portrait Gallery
    Sir Giles Gilbert Scott image: gilbertscott.org
    Liverpool Cathedral image: Wikipedia robhullandemu (Creative Commons)
    1930s Construction Footage: • Battersea Power Statio...
    Stewarts Road image: Copyright Paul Orrells
    BBC2 Footage: • Monday 20th April 1964...
    Playschool footage: • Play School - Original...
    Firestone Factory Image: Clive Warneford, Creative Commons
    British Rail Class 447 Image: thebeautyoftransport.files.wo...
    Battersea Map: David Rumsey Maps
    Time Out Cover: mdmarchive.co.uk
    Music used in this video:
    Reverie (Quincas Moreira)
    Jesse’s Carnival Waltz (The Great North Sound Society)
    Arp Ascent (DivKid)
    Barnyard Medley (Will Osborne and His Orchestra)
    Future Glider (Brian Bolger)
    Analogue Cabin (Noir Et Blanc Vie)
    Industrial Revolution (Kevin MacLeod)
    Yeah Yeah by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
    Artist: audionautix.com/
    Sneaking Up (Audionautix)
    Sneaking Up by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
    Artist: audionautix.com/
    Day of Recon Sting (Max Surla/Media Right Productions)
    Goddess of the Sea (Jimena Contreras)
    Bumbly March - Music to Delight (Kevin MacLeod)
    Bumbly March - Music to Delight by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
    Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
    Artist: incompetech.com/
    Eyes Gone Wrong by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
    Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
    Artist: incompetech.com/
    Jazz Piano Bar (Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions)

КОМЕНТАРІ • 635

  • @davidwebb4904
    @davidwebb4904 Рік тому +44

    BPS is so expensive, I cannot even afford to look at it from the other side of the river…..

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +5

      😂

    • @tomgirldouble3249
      @tomgirldouble3249 Рік тому +3

      Is it just a huge retail outlet then?😢

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +2

      @@tomgirldouble3249 Pretty much, yes...

    • @tomgirldouble3249
      @tomgirldouble3249 Рік тому +6

      @@Robslondon how disappointing, I thought it was an art gallery or entertainment venue…still at least it’s not been demolished🤔💜💙

    • @D_B_Cooper
      @D_B_Cooper Рік тому +14

      Even talking about it costs money. A fiver please 😅

  • @DigitalLazarus
    @DigitalLazarus 21 годину тому +1

    I absolutely adore this colossus and masonry masterpiece. Her resurrection is nothing shy of stupendous and I adore that she is still here with us refreshed and renewed in all her glory. Thank you for this video. It was awesome.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  8 годин тому +1

      Beautiful comment, and thank you so much for the kind words. Stay well.

  • @stephenwhite5057
    @stephenwhite5057 Рік тому +27

    I visited the decommissioned station in the 1980's soon after it had closed and was horrified at how dirty and black from coal dust etc. the inside was with broken machinery and discarded equipment covering the floor. I spent all day assessing some machinery and after emerging from the dark dirty environment just wanted to get home for a shower. I probably will never forget the majesty of the buildings exterior. Great video Rob , most enjoyable.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +3

      Brilliant comment Stephen, thank you. I doubt many people visiting today can even begin to imagine the state you experienced it in back then!
      Cheers and stay well 😉

    • @lisaschuster686
      @lisaschuster686 Рік тому +1

      What a relief to have the ultimate source of climate change to blame: one big, belching, beautiful Art Deco power plant, and not the U.S.! 😄

    • @curtislowe4577
      @curtislowe4577 Рік тому +1

      Was Battersea all chain grate stoker boilers? It is my understanding that chain grate stoker boilers will always have more unburned coal particles in the bottom ash than a boiler with pulverizers. A modern (70s) pulverizer boiler is very clean as there are very few places for coal to escape from the process. Plus the bottom ash is largely contained by system that captures it in water and transports it as a slurry for dewatering and disposal. I expect that working on a bottom ash removal crew of an old plant like Battersea had to be absolutely disgusting by our modern standards.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      @@curtislowe4577 It would've been yes...

    • @srfurley
      @srfurley Місяць тому +3

      @@curtislowe4577
      From memory I think the A station was chain grates, and the B station was pulverised fuel, but it’s a long time since I saw it, just after the A station closed.

  • @petercalthorpe7966
    @petercalthorpe7966 Рік тому +8

    G'day Rob , well that bought alot of memories back of my dear old dad . He worked at Batersea Power station in late 50s , he had an accident there wich smashed his right hand . I'm glad it's still there and it looks amazing inside. All the best form down under mate 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Incredible comment Peter, thank you. Hope the injury didn’t affect him too much?

  • @gordonmarshall7362
    @gordonmarshall7362 10 місяців тому +8

    Well done. great facts
    As a Canadian from Toronto who lived with aussies in a flat on Queenstown rd for a couple of years I remember every night after work walking past this lovely Art Deco piece of art
    Fond memories and times in damp rainy London.
    I brought my children back to London before they entered Uni. 10 years ago
    I have to return to see the old place

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  10 місяців тому

      Beautiful comment Gordon, thank you. Hope you make it back here soon!

  • @markbarrie4946
    @markbarrie4946 11 днів тому +2

    Really enjoyed your video , reminded me of when i worked there for a week or two in the early seventies as an electrical apprentice . The company i worked for had a maintenence contract there back then. So glad it wasnt demolished .

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  11 днів тому +1

      Lovely comment Mark, thank you.

  • @PaulMcCaffreyfmac
    @PaulMcCaffreyfmac Рік тому +6

    Growing up in the the '50s and '60s it felt like a straight line for me. Drayton Gdns, Beaufort St and Battersea Bridge though at that time - one of the quirks of living in a city with a very winding river - I couldn't have pointed to Pimlico on the map.
    Checking back after 60 years I realise that Battersea Bridge, Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge have become more or less interchangeable for me.
    I worked with Bob (R.I.P.) from '71 to '77 and he lived on the Nine Elms Estate and i found myself close a few times when I stayed over to babysit or listen to blues records till 4.00 am or whatever.
    The last time I saw it regularly was in the '90s when I commuted by train from Victoria to Croydon and/or Bromley for a while.
    Though I can clearly picture the walk from Victoria via the Mozart statue to Sloane Square, Pimlico is still rather like Narnia to me 🙂

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      What a wonderful comment Paul, thank you so much. I know what you mean about Pimlico, I’ve always found it tricky to navigate! Cheers and stay well.

  • @markcarson8
    @markcarson8 Рік тому +7

    Your videos are so professional Rob.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Much appreciated Mark, thank you

  • @jamieross8673
    @jamieross8673 Рік тому +5

    I had the privilege to visit Battersea Power Station around November of 2022 and I was amazed at the enormous scale of the building and how readily it transported me back to the 1900s when things were made out of metal and stone. I loved the huge machines placed throughout that don’t let you forget the hard work being carried out during its previous life.

  • @triviabuff5682
    @triviabuff5682 Рік тому +12

    Battersea featured in an episode of the crime dramedy "New Tricks" where the furnaces were used to burn used £5 notes in the 50s, along with secret papers from the American Embassy.
    Alan Armstrong's character, Brian Lane, delivering a speech outlining the story of the Power Station.

  • @JoJo-Hamilton
    @JoJo-Hamilton Місяць тому +2

    One of the most beautiful architectural buildings of the 20th Century? The engineering, and energy truly served a purpose.

  • @benalowery
    @benalowery 24 дні тому +1

    My cousin has lived at Chelsea Bridge Wharf for the past 12 years and the transformation of the area has been nothing less than amazing. Only a few years earlier you would get a clear view of BPS from her flat, now all you see is other apartments and maybe a tip of one of the chimneys.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  24 дні тому +1

      Great comment, thank you.

  • @piepowered
    @piepowered Рік тому +7

    That was a really interesting video. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!

  • @Voxel-Ux
    @Voxel-Ux Рік тому +35

    Cheers, for this brilliant video essay. An excellent history lesson for this awesome building! Totally enjoyed the level of detail you employed and its execution.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +2

      It’s an absolute pleasure, thank you so much for watching 😊

    • @F4Insight-uq6nt
      @F4Insight-uq6nt Рік тому

      @@Robslondon Trick or Treat. : ua-cam.com/video/jBcXqt9tpIA/v-deo.html November Rain.

  • @lesleysmith51
    @lesleysmith51 Рік тому +5

    What an incredible 👏😍 post. I can't imagine the amount of work you put into this. Amazing history of Battersea Power Station 🚉. It was nice seeing the Sweeney again. I did read that you didn't get much time to view London from the lift though. Is it fully open now ? I read they were doing parts of it at a time. I thought they built the luxury flats in the building and was a bit 🤔😕 baffled how!!!! Great 👍 experience and looking forward to the next one.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Lesley! The lift experience lasts about 10 minutes.... you'll want to be up there all day though ;-)
      Cheers again and stay well.

  • @paulmerryman
    @paulmerryman Рік тому +14

    I do love the Art Deco building style, and so glad that it has survived being flattened. Another fine informative video Rob

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thanks Paul!

    • @F4Insight-uq6nt
      @F4Insight-uq6nt Рік тому

      @@Robslondon ua-cam.com/video/p4nLDKgKqqg/v-deo.html November RAIN!

    • @goombabear
      @goombabear Місяць тому +1

      I love Art Deco architecture. I had the privilege to visit Hoover Dam last year and witness its beautiful art deco designs.

  • @francessmith6855
    @francessmith6855 10 місяців тому +3

    I visited Battersea Power Station with a friend only yesterday. We were very impressed and really overwhelmed with the large scale of the new development. My Uncle had worked at Battersea Power Station when it was operational. I remember as a child being terrified of his extremely loud voice. This developed apparently, due to the deafening sound of the machinery in operation and the men who worked there having to shout to each other to be heard. We had booked for the Lift 109 Experience, which was exciting and futuristic. The views at the top were breath taking. As a very young woman, I used to commute by train into London and would pass the building every day. Its a shame that the view is now obscured by modern high rise developments. I had hoped that there might have been a museum with historical photos from the past and I was secretly hoping to see a photo of my then young Uncle at work somewhere amongst the 1000 staff employed there. In the gift shop there was nothing much around the history, although the young lady at the till had thought that there might be a book of the history on the building being developed. A great day out, where nostalgia meets the future.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  10 місяців тому +1

      Such a fantastic comment Frances, thank you so much for sharing- I really enjoyed reading this! I agree; there should be a museum at the site!
      Thanks again and stay well.

  • @AuntieBuddie
    @AuntieBuddie Рік тому +5

    Really interesting, Rob. In the late 70s, I used to park my coach there, together with many others. I assumed it was 'rented'.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Great comment Lynda, thank you 😊

  • @davekirk100
    @davekirk100 Рік тому +7

    Thanks for this Rob. As a west-country bumpkin when I bought my copy of Pink Floyd's Animals, it took me quite a while to realise it was actually a real building. Fascinating history.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Ha ha 😉 Lovely comment t Dave, cheers

  • @MrJohn768
    @MrJohn768 19 днів тому +2

    Smashing Rob 👍 what an interesting video..thank you so much. Didn't you get some fascinating comments...what a lot of information and memories....people enjoying remembering... you are giving us so much pleasure. Well done !

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  19 днів тому

      Thanks so much, Mr John. Yes, I'm lucky enough to have some great commentators ;-)

  • @darriendastar3941
    @darriendastar3941 Рік тому +5

    All your stuff is good - but this is just stand-out excellent.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      That means so much to me Darrien, thank you my friend.

  • @leanneevans3000
    @leanneevans3000 11 днів тому +2

    All your videos are interesting and good to watch. Thank you Rob

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  11 днів тому

      Thank you! Much appreciated ☺️

  • @toris71
    @toris71 29 днів тому +1

    Super video thanks. We used to live behind the Battersea town hall and regularly saw projects being initiated and abandoned so it is so cool to see the power station and we can’t wait to get back and see it again

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  29 днів тому

      Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words Toris. Stay well.

  • @philrougier5533
    @philrougier5533 Рік тому +12

    Looking forward to another powerhouse of a documentary, Rob ❤

  • @sarahlouise7163
    @sarahlouise7163 Рік тому +7

    after only ever seeing it from a distance and as an empty shell, i really must go and see it up close! fabulous building! another great video, Rob 😅

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you Sarah Louise! Yes, be sure to pop down there 😉

  • @jamieknight326
    @jamieknight326 Рік тому +3

    This is such a great video. Thanks for making it. I learnt heaps :)

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      An absolute pleasure Jamie! Thank you so much for the kind words 😄

  • @BrokebackBob
    @BrokebackBob Рік тому +8

    As a yank over here in Indiana, US, all I can say is BRAVO 👍💯🇬🇧 This is a wonderfully informative and entertaining episode!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Really appreciate that Bob! Thanks my friend ;-)

    • @seansmith445
      @seansmith445 Рік тому

      Wait I thought a yank was someone from New England?

  • @TrainDriverRob
    @TrainDriverRob Рік тому +2

    Superb video, I remember first seeing this amazing building on a school trip to Oostende in 1981 or thereabouts from the train to Dover. It’s a shame that view has now been blocked, but hey ho, the building has been saved.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      A wonderful comment, thank you 😊

  • @TheUluxian
    @TheUluxian Рік тому +5

    I wondered at the start of this if you'd do Lift 109. "Free Tours by Foot" showed it off just shortly after opening, and it looks like a pretty neat experience.
    As always, I've learned something here today..(Darn you, Rob!! LOL)
    LIKED 👍👍

  • @itsjohndell
    @itsjohndell Рік тому +4

    In the Sherlock episode "A Scandal in Belgravia" (2012) Dr. Watson and the femme fatale have a showdown in the Battersea Power Station. I toured the Station with my Father in 1968 when it was in full operation. The dynamos at full speed were incredibly impressive. And note, like Godzilla, the attempt to electrocute Gorgo failed, which was good because Gorgo turns out to be a good monster! A favorite film.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Great comment, I didn't know about the Sherlock episode. And yes, Gorgo gets to wade off into the Thames ;-)

  • @spitfire1962
    @spitfire1962 Рік тому +10

    I started working for BT, out of Nine Elms telephone exchange back in 1987. The power station was on my patch and we still went in there to maintain telephones, as there were people working inside it. I got to see its gradual demise as all the surrounding buildings were knocked down and the roof taken off. I think that the cranes outside should have been kept though.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Good comment, thanks. Agree about the cranes, I'm not sure what happened to them... hopefully they've been stashed away somewhere...

    • @Bobbibouchersmumwasright
      @Bobbibouchersmumwasright Рік тому +1

      I worked on Keybridge House I’m the 90s… we used to collect from the basement… creepy place lol

    • @spitfire1962
      @spitfire1962 Рік тому +1

      @@Bobbibouchersmumwasright Ah, the late Keybridge Hse, with its leaky sub basement walls. I worked out of there from the early 90’s. It was used in the last series of Luther for some internal shots, but by then it was empty and awaiting demolition. There have been some UA-cam videos saying how it was a top secret place!

    • @Bobbibouchersmumwasright
      @Bobbibouchersmumwasright Рік тому

      @@spitfire1962 you are totally right .. i noticed a few things over those years as we were on lower levels under the building .. also the clue is probably in the name…. key-bridge (take from that what you will) 🧐

  • @philrougier5533
    @philrougier5533 Рік тому +14

    A brilliant documentary once again, Rob. Even more so as my aunt, who once was a soprano singer in the famous D'Oyly Carte operas of Gilbert & Sullivan spending most of her life on the London stage, became an extra in the crowd scenes of 1984 towards the end of her career. Great to see the clip of 1984 again and all of the other great clips...

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thanks Phil, brilliant comment. Can you spot her in the film?

    • @philrougier5533
      @philrougier5533 Рік тому +1

      @@Robslondon Not in your clip but she does feature in scene with hundreds of other extras. I wonder if The Eurythmics soundtrack video was filmed at Battersea Power Station?

    • @karlp8484
      @karlp8484 Рік тому +1

      That's a great memory of your Aunt, and very appropriate to this video.

    • @steverads8816
      @steverads8816 Рік тому +1

      Oh how I loved Gilbert o'sullivan-Clare!

    • @backupintheday9710
      @backupintheday9710 Рік тому

      All gone soon.. ua-cam.com/video/uuozlVCXpHQ/v-deo.html

  • @tedcopple101
    @tedcopple101 Рік тому +3

    It closed on my first birthday 🎈. Another excellent video Rob, once again you've knocked it out of the (Battersea) park!

  • @sueby67
    @sueby67 Місяць тому +1

    My Dad worked there until it closed. It was amazing and they used to put on day trips to the seaside for the children of the staff.

  • @dad675
    @dad675 Рік тому +2

    Greetings from South Africa. A very wonderful video, Rob. I left UK in 1974 but usually rode the Victoria / Brighton line into London so the power station was the signal to gather everything ready to leave. I have been in SA for nearly 50 years and never realised how the power station was created and reinvented. Most enjoyable. I've subscribed.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you for such a lovely comment, it’s good to have you here! Stay well ☺️

  • @Heidi_Bradshaw
    @Heidi_Bradshaw 22 дні тому +2

    lol! I had to laugh at the tethered pig on the thumbnail for the video! Nice to see someone remembering ‘Animals’!

  • @user-bb8bc3se1x
    @user-bb8bc3se1x Місяць тому +2

    I recently paid a visit to Battersea Power Station now that it is a shopping Mall. It’s vast and beautiful inside. We had a drink in the bar which was the control room and had lunch in Turbine B. It’s a great day out and so easy to get to on the underground to Battersea Power Station station!

  • @muzza9575
    @muzza9575 Рік тому +16

    A fantastic effort Rob. Your videos are always superb but I particularly liked the way you merged fact and popular culture in this "mini documentary". It won't be long before the BBC come knocking on your door!😀
    As for the nearby underground station.....it should definitely be called Battersea Power Station Station 😜. Monty Python would have wanted it that way.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Ha ha! Lovely, lovely comment Muzza- made my morning :-) Thank you mate; cheers and stay well.

    • @k9killer221
      @k9killer221 Рік тому

      I'm just waiting for a Melbourne, Tina Arena Arena.

  • @liamkatt6434
    @liamkatt6434 Рік тому +5

    Amazing Rob. I knew it well when I lived in London and feared it would be torn down. Good to see it survive even with the depleted view.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thanks so much Liam- yes, I'd rather have it there than not at all, that's for sure! Cheers and stay well.

    • @juvenalsdad4175
      @juvenalsdad4175 Рік тому +1

      Agreed, there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs.

  • @rontanser9369
    @rontanser9369 Рік тому +3

    Thanks Rob That was a very interesting video of Battersea power station and its history. Well done.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Much appreciated Ron, thank you!

  • @damedavidfrith55
    @damedavidfrith55 Рік тому +2

    Another wonderful vlog so interesting and expertly researched glad it didn’t get knocked down

  • @basfinnis
    @basfinnis Рік тому +2

    Blimey, so much interesting stuff in the video.
    Great job Rob 😉
    I've never been myself.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thanks so much Basil! Hope you’re keeping well.

  • @MLampner
    @MLampner Рік тому +4

    I have always loved Battersea Power Station. I look forward on my pending trip to London to go there to see it close up.

  • @davidsillars3181
    @davidsillars3181 Рік тому +2

    Excellent. I feel my next London trip I'll be much more informed. I spent two weeks walking every day from Tower Bridge to the BFI for work, mostly down the South Bank in the crowds. Squeezing past the Globe. As you get down towards Westminster there are lots of buildings across the river with flags and towers. I have no idea what they are and didn't have time to investigate. Next time! Best wishes and thanks for the excellent vid.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      A great comment David, thank you so much. Hope you enjoy your next trip!

  • @raymonde4272
    @raymonde4272 Рік тому +5

    Wonderful documentary Rob. Though aware of how it was an icon of Pop culture, I never realised how often it was used by various different people, films and groups.
    I absolutely loved the subtlety of the BBC2 presenter acknowledging the power cut of the night before.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thanks Raymonda :-) Yes, it's a wonderful clip isn't it! Lucky it survived.

  • @kenstevens5065
    @kenstevens5065 Рік тому +2

    What a superb and well researched production. I only just found your site, so it has to be liked and subscribed. That's my viewing for this Easter holiday and beyond sorted.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thanks so much Ken, that means a lot to me. It’s lovely to have you here! Cheers and have a great Easter!

  • @matthewmurphy9796
    @matthewmurphy9796 2 місяці тому +1

    A wonderful film about a legendary building!

  • @1258-Eckhart
    @1258-Eckhart Рік тому +3

    Hi Rob, definitely "Battersea Power Station Station", they were asking for that one. So the signage on the tube station is wrong. I agree with your thoughts on the loss of the view from the rail approaches to Victoria, that's regrettable. The redevelopment is otherwise very sensible, placing the commercial risk not onto one company running an amusement park or whatever, but spread over hundreds of small and medium businesses which will never simultaneously go bankrupt (unless one of those apocalyptic films comes true).

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Brilliant thoughts as always 😉 Cheers!

  • @Project.Womble.London
    @Project.Womble.London 23 дні тому +2

    Loved this, the music choices were great too 😊

  • @leanneevans3000
    @leanneevans3000 11 днів тому +2

    Up the road from me is the Port Talbot steel works which was probably on a similar size scale as Battersea. This ic closing down as well. Very interesting video. Thank you

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  11 днів тому +1

      Thanks Leanne. Yes, I know the steel works you mean, devastating for the community; very sorry to hear.

  • @markshrimpton3138
    @markshrimpton3138 Рік тому +2

    Another electrifying production Rob. In my opinion one of your best yet. It’s a pity that the Lego Land style flats that cluster around Battersea Power Station are so devoid of any merit whatsoever. Monstrous carbuncles to quote a well-known royal personage.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thanks Mark- and well said 😉

  • @rofromoz1361
    @rofromoz1361 Місяць тому +2

    What a stunning building. Love the references to all its appearances over the years..

  • @butchknapman3939
    @butchknapman3939 Рік тому +6

    Good morning, Rob again from Thailand.
    An excellent video you pulled all the stops out on this one. It's a positive point that all our history is so well documented.
    Some of the points you mentioned I was aware of and it was good to hear them mentioned
    Again thanks for all the research you do in making your videos

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      It's a pleasure as always Butch, thank you so much for the kind words and support. Stay well ;-)

  • @lindiwright1373
    @lindiwright1373 Рік тому +3

    Brill Rob! My fav building in London…I did a painting of it years ago ,which is still hanging my living room today..was waiting for your mention of Richard the 3rd adaptation..Sir Ian McKellan and Annette Bening were brilliant in it , not to mention having a brilliant location..you’ll know thatSir Giles Gilbert Scott’s telephone box design was drawn from Sir John Soane’s family tomb as Scott was. Trustee. Loving your work..thank you ❤️

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Lindi! Lovely comment. Yes, the tomb and Old St Pancras churchyard deserve a video of their own!

    • @lindiwright1373
      @lindiwright1373 Рік тому +1

      @@Robslondon ooh thank you and yes please 👌🏻

  • @PaulB-17
    @PaulB-17 Рік тому +5

    Absolutely brilliant Rob, got to say you are fast becoming the David Attenborough of London infrastructure and history.
    Deserves so many more views. Um could you do a colab with Jay Foreman I'm sure it would benefit both of you? Thanks again just so comprehensive and interesting.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Paul, that means a lot to me. I doubt Jay Foreman even knows this channel exists though! ;-) I'll keep plugging away; cheers mate, really appreciate your support.

  • @paulwilson7234
    @paulwilson7234 Рік тому +2

    Great Sunday evening video.

  • @gillie-monger3394
    @gillie-monger3394 Рік тому +2

    Brilliant! Thanks for sharing mate. Yours are the best info videos about London. You always seem to find the most interesting and entertaining 'quirks' of the capitol. 😅👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Really appreciate that, thank you ;-) Stay well.

  • @deborahingles9392
    @deborahingles9392 Рік тому +2

    Brilliant vlog on the life of such a magnificent structure and how such a building like the Power Station can be brought back to life for future generations to hopefully marvel at its splendor - whilst here is Australia we do not have as many buildings with such grandeur we have lost many building in the past that I believe could have been brought back to life in like this one... thanks for sharing cheers Debz from Oz

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Lovely comment Debz, thank you!

  • @jimc6436
    @jimc6436 Рік тому +3

    Brilliant look at this magnificent building. Love your channel. I was a bit surprised you didn't mention the art deco inspired opening to the ITV's 1990s production of Poirot starring David Suchet which features this unmistakable image! Keep up the great work!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thanks so much Jim! I didn't think of that; been ages since I saw that series :-) Cheers and stay well.

  • @gilltagg3352
    @gilltagg3352 Рік тому +2

    Wow! Great content again and had forgotten somethings. Great to reminisce and at the same time to learn something new. Thank you 🙏

  • @ChrisSmith-ls7mb
    @ChrisSmith-ls7mb Рік тому +2

    Hello Rob
    Great video. Sandra and I visited Battersea power station in September 21 two days before the tube station opened. I missed seeing the James Bond Aston Martin DB5. I saw the backside of the matchbox but failed to walk around to the front. We do the what if game and if we could afford it would you want to live in the power station or in a building that had a view of power station. As of today it is the view of the station. So we are staying at the art'otel. I believe the station was used in a New Tricks episode. We are so looking forward to our visit. Thanks Rob Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      A lovely comments as always :-) Thank you so much; truly hope you enjoy your stay!

  • @nicholaswalker2494
    @nicholaswalker2494 Рік тому +4

    Brilliant Rob like these long videos,especially when going back to subjects like in pop culture.I didn’t know it was built quite recently always thought 1800s.As to the new Coney Island what was proposed I read in an old National Geographic that Blackpool was the Coney Island of the north also with a tower and light’s.once again keep on doing what you do,cheer’s mate 👍👍👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      That means a lot to me Nicholas, many thanks mate.

  • @tonycox5625
    @tonycox5625 Рік тому +3

    This is a great vid for me Rob, I remember the Pink Floyd Pig, the film Up The Junction, which bought back the song Up The Junction by Squeeze, which bought back memories of my missus working with Jools Holland's mum June at Hindwoods Estate Agents in Charlton back in the 80s! Whew! 👍👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Great comment Tony 😉

    • @kenh3344
      @kenh3344 Рік тому +1

      Dennis Waterman starred in the film up the junction. A very good film.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      @@kenh3344 He did, yes ;-)

    • @kenh3344
      @kenh3344 Рік тому +1

      @@Robslondon only ever seen the outside of the power station. On several occasions. Thru the years. I always have admired it. And whatever film or photo it appears in it's a beautiful iconic shape. In my view of your master piece. I'd have them new flats down .?? Ugly ? Dont like wind turbines either. Blot on the land scape. And at sea. So I'll have a look at your other stuff . Only come upon this one by accident . Loved it thank you.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      @@kenh3344 Cheers Ken; much appreciated.

  • @pamcullen537
    @pamcullen537 Рік тому +2

    Hi Rob, another brilliant informative production. The flats they built blocking the view should never have been allowed, they are so ugly!!!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thanks so much Pam… and yes, I agree 😉

  • @bigdaddybulge4206
    @bigdaddybulge4206 Рік тому +3

    This is your best video. Hands down.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      I really appreciate that; thank you so much.

    • @bigdaddybulge4206
      @bigdaddybulge4206 Рік тому +1

      @@Robslondon been seeing your updates on the progress you’ve been making on this. Was genuinely looking forward to it. I’m a Glaswegian but I’m down there at least once every couple of months and I had to go and visit it the last time I was there. It’s such an incredible building! The new surrounding neighbourhood, though, hmmmmm….😂

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      @@bigdaddybulge4206 Ha ha! Yes, much agreed ;-) Thanks again.

  • @gr8witenorth61
    @gr8witenorth61 2 місяці тому +1

    ive see the battersea power station for years, but i never knew its importance, i just figured it was a steel plant or something like that. ive seen it in a number of movies not mentioned here, and many times in pink floyd albums, im canadian so that is my interest in the building and now i know what its called from now on, thanks showing me this place, i have a better understanding of what it is, now. cheers........... 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 місяці тому +1

      Brilliant comment, thank you! Glad to help ;-)

  • @-DC-
    @-DC- Рік тому +2

    An Electrifying Episode Rob, As Usual 😘

  • @roberttaylor6295
    @roberttaylor6295 Місяць тому +1

    My store of superlatives are running low, so all I will say that this, like all your videos was enjoyable and enlightening, Thanks for all your videos and friendship via Utube! Lol
    Rob

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Місяць тому

      Bless you Rob, thank you!

  • @musiqueetmontagne
    @musiqueetmontagne Рік тому +2

    Another great video and lesson.. Wonderful, keep it up and thank you!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much :-) Stay well.

  • @dabsan
    @dabsan Рік тому +2

    Excellent, wonderful and amazing video! Your videos are fascinating and this is one of the best. I also feel its a sad loss regarding the lost view of the power station while travel on the railway. I now need to watch some of the movies that you mentioned :) Looking forward to seeing your future videos.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Such a lovely comment Darren, thank you- that means a lot to me. Cheers and stay well.

  • @WagnerGimenes
    @WagnerGimenes Рік тому +2

    Excellent work, sir. Thank you.

  • @sharonleong7120
    @sharonleong7120 Рік тому +2

    Great and interesting content. I love it once again. Thanks Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

  • @philbraithwaite1316
    @philbraithwaite1316 Рік тому +1

    Thanks Rob, a very interesting watch. Being a 70s kid I remember watching Blue Peter's John Noakes did one of his daring tasks painting one of the chimneys.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thanks so much Phil.
      I had no idea John Noakes did that (I love his Nelson’s Column stunt) will have to see if I can find a clip now!
      Cheers and stay well.

  • @mikehiggins4079
    @mikehiggins4079 Рік тому +2

    An excellent production Rob.
    An iconic building. Battersea Power Station symbolises London as much as the Houses of Parliament, the Routemaster bus or the Tube

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you Mike! And well said 😉

  • @timothydigiuseppe1753
    @timothydigiuseppe1753 Рік тому +1

    Well done with much I did not know about this iconic building. Thank you!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      It's a pleasure Timothy, thank you for watching :-)

  • @RoyCousins
    @RoyCousins Рік тому +5

    Thanks for a very informative video Rob. I appreciate how much work you do to pack each episode full of fascinating facts. 👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Much appreciated Roy, thank you so much

  • @annettescott5884
    @annettescott5884 Рік тому +5

    Wow Rob - you’ve truly excelled yourself this time! This video is absolutely brilliant! I’ve watched a few vloggers’ visits to the newly opened complex, and had come to realise how little I knew about this amazing landmark - your offering has filled in the gaps, and I love the references to popular culture (especially since you included ‘Up The Junction’, which happens to be one of my all time favourites!). Love it - keep up the good work! 😊😊

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Annette, a lovely comment 😊 Stay well

  • @davepegz
    @davepegz Рік тому +2

    Brilliant video. I actually visited on a school trip in 1970 when I was 15, It really was awe inspiring. You missed The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus in the references, which usesthe building at possibly it's lowest point

  • @davidatrakchi2707
    @davidatrakchi2707 Рік тому +1

    We’ve been there in a very recent tour of London we made with our grandkids,amazing architecture but it’s stuffed with shops of all the super expensive brands, will definitely change to draw the large masses of people

  • @louisegalczynski5902
    @louisegalczynski5902 Рік тому +5

    Another great video Rob! Really interesting history of such an iconic building - can’t imagine London without it! Hard to believe it was only in operation for about 50 years. I haven’t been to the new complex yet but would like to check it out. I love how you broke up the video with clips of BPS from films & TV and as usual I’ve learnt a lot! Thanks ❤

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much Louise 😊

  • @KlausLBern
    @KlausLBern Рік тому +1

    In reference to your remark ("iconic"): I lived in London between the end of 1979 and (May?) 1982 as a post graduate student on architectural history. From the lectures I remember, various teachers refered to BPS as "the cathedral of power".
    Today I am not sure, but as I remember, there might even be a publication of what is now "The Twentieth Century Society". It's predecessor was "The Thirties Society" (1979), founded to protect architecture and design after 1914. Their first issue had one of the Art Deco masterpieces on the title (the Firestone Co., as Hoover was just torn down), but - as said - I am not quite sure whether BPS was in it. May be …
    But: Great feature anyway, thanks!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you so much Klaus, excellent comment!
      Yes, the Cathedral of Power! I nearly used that as the title for this video! Thanks again my friend and stay well.

  • @johnsingh1127
    @johnsingh1127 2 місяці тому +1

    Brilliant documentary and its a beautiful building visited last week highly recommended

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 місяці тому

      Thank you so much John!

  • @mancroft
    @mancroft Рік тому +2

    Excellent, as usual. Thank you.

  • @EricSmith-qy3oi
    @EricSmith-qy3oi 10 місяців тому +2

    Hullo from Canada! Just subscribed and looking forward to catching up on all your videos!…I’m loving your voice and your knowledge so far!!!!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  10 місяців тому

      Thank you so much Eric, it's lovely to have you here my friend! Really appreciate your kind words; much appreciated 🙂 Stay well and thanks again.

  • @knockshinnoch1950
    @knockshinnoch1950 Рік тому +3

    This is an excellent fact filled video presentation. Thoroughly researched and totally engrossing from start to finish- it also thankfully avoids that awful modern technique so beloved of the current crop of documentary makers who continually stop and repeat previous sections of the video to emphasise certain facts and fill time to extend the videos running time. Thanks!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you so much Moutton Noir; truly appreciate your kind words, it means a lot to me- your comment just made my day!
      Thanks again and stay well 🙂

  • @barrywa39
    @barrywa39 Рік тому +3

    Just when I think that your videos have reached a climax of being amazing Rob, you present us with another masterpiece. I really don't know how you do it, but so much history, and information in a 30 minute video, complete with relevant clips etc. Keep up the amazing work.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Bless you Barry, thank you so much 😊 I love Battersea Power Station and had to do it justice!

    • @barrywa39
      @barrywa39 Рік тому +2

      @@Robslondon your passion came through without a doubt.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      @@barrywa39 Thank you

    • @barrywa39
      @barrywa39 Рік тому

      @@Robslondon I just realised something tonight. I was watching an early episode of Poirot that I have on DVD, and Battersea Power Station is featured in the art deco opening titles. I'd forgotten all about it.

  • @johnsharp8632
    @johnsharp8632 Рік тому +4

    An excellent video Rob. I visit London very really since I retired and really must pay a visit to the power station and the the new tube station when I next visit the capital. The great pity is that some of the ugliest blocks of flats imaginable have been built close to the power station, ruining the once fantastic views from the surrounding area. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was a great architect, those responsible for the flats are not in the same league.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you John, and yes- very well said. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott knew what he was doing and clearly had a vision for the power station... I dread to think how he'd react today if he could see what's been done to the view.

  • @jamiebrewer1973
    @jamiebrewer1973 Рік тому +4

    Love this one mate. 👍 Sad to see those flats blocking the view from the train. Vague memories of that from my childhood. Strange, but I always felt that derelict phase was cool. I used to imagine what kind of horrors went on there and in the wasteland surrounding it.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Cheers Jamie ;-) Stay well mate.

  • @briggsquantum
    @briggsquantum Рік тому +1

    My brother-in-law used to live in Staines, and taking the train from there to Waterloo station I spied Battersea Power Station. That was in 1984, and somehow I knew that I had seen the building before, but couldn't remember when. I mentioned it to him, and he said "Of course - it's on the cover of Floyd's Animals album". Bingo. So the next time I took the train in to London, I got my tourist camera all set and took several photos of the building. I lowered my camera quickly I guess, because my fellow passengers, all bowler hats and dark suits just as quickly raised their newspapers to hide the fact they had been staring at this odd Canadian who was impressed with a power station.....
    That was just one of the culture shock moments I either caused or was a victim of, during my time in England.

  • @cjg1970
    @cjg1970 Рік тому +3

    I have to agree with you with on all the building around the station. On the plus side, at least, it means the power station has been saved and repurposed.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Yes indeed, I’d rather have the power station as it is now as opposed to rotting away. Cheers for watching and stay well.

  • @nelliemelba4967
    @nelliemelba4967 Рік тому +2

    I love this! A highly informative little video, full of interesting facts and cultural references. I went to the then derelict Battersea PS back in 2008 as part of a group, to do some photography, and we went a little way inside to see what was left of the turbine halls. The only resident then was one little fox living inside! Thanks again, Rob!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      Brilliant comment Nellie! Thank you so much. I visited the site too when it was derelict, it’s a shame the cranes have been taken away. Oh well… hope the fox had a good life 😉 Thanks and stay well.

    • @nelliemelba4967
      @nelliemelba4967 Рік тому +1

      Yes, the cranes! They were stunning up close I have heard they will put them back eventually, but who knows!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      @@nelliemelba4967 Yes, I've heard a rumour they are in storage... let's hope it's true!

  • @AtoZbyLocalBus
    @AtoZbyLocalBus 9 місяців тому +1

    I have been to last month, I like it. It was busy, but as busy as Startford City shopping centre. It also has a nice feel to it.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  9 місяців тому +1

      Good to hear :-) And thanks for watching.

  • @claudiaconnolly7793
    @claudiaconnolly7793 Рік тому +1

    Loved this. Thank you 🎉😊

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you so much Claudia ☺️

  • @PurpleTT99
    @PurpleTT99 Рік тому +2

    Stonking video Rob thank you so much. I used to get the train from Redhill to Victoria to do my first job in 1981. Always glanced over to the right to see the power station as the train started to slow. There used to be waste ground the other side of the tracks where there were 2 or 3 cranes with bungee jumps right close to the river. It looked really dodgy for some reason. Probably was. 25 years later I was based in a huge temporary building 100yds or so to the west of the power station as it was the site office for the developer of the land where the bungees were. Access under the tracks. PS Agree with you on the Jam!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      A wonderful comment, thanks so much for making it to the end! 😉

  • @helenedansereau9255
    @helenedansereau9255 Рік тому +2

    Wonderfully detailed and complete. Thank you so much!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому +1

      It’s a pleasure Helene, thank you so much for watching 😊

  • @michaelsansom6
    @michaelsansom6 Рік тому +1

    You have made an excellent documentary, I leave a few miles away so will visit as a result of your film. Many thanks

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Thank you so much Michael ☺️

  • @johncochrane2707
    @johncochrane2707 Рік тому +1

    Another great video Rob thanks.

  • @MHolt9999
    @MHolt9999 Рік тому +1

    Really appreciate the work you've put into this - THANKS!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      I truly appreciate that, thank you so much 😊

  • @PeterGaunt
    @PeterGaunt Рік тому +1

    Excellent as always.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Рік тому

      Many thanks Peter, much appreciated.

  • @metrovic
    @metrovic Рік тому +1

    Very well put together video. Thanks.