Brixton (and Catford): Palaces for the People – last chance to see and guided estate tour
There are still two or so weeks to see this warm, poignant photographic exhibition at Brixton’s Photofusion Gallery. The topic? Catford’s Excalibur estate, Britain’s largest prefab housing complex, which was built after the Second World War as a temporary solution to the country’s housing shortage. Temporary turned into 70-odd years, but that era is now due to end as the remaining residents are turfed out. Although six of the one-storey homes gained Grade II listing by English Heritage in 2009, the rest are on land being redeveloped by Lewisham Council.
Photographer, Elisabeth Blanchet, has spent 11 years documenting the estate and its strong community and, as well as being able to see her beautiful pictures for another two weeks at Brixton’s Photofusion Gallery, you can also go on a one-off, guided tour of Excalibur this weekend.
Prefabs: Palaces for the People, is at Photofusion, 17a Electric Lane, Brixton SW9 until 2 August.
The Catford Prefab Estate Tour takes place on Saturday 20 July at 2pm (address details will be sent to those booked on the tour). To book a place contact jenna@photofusion.org, tel: 020 7738 5774
Next: Skills and snacks in a lovely south London garden
