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Protect our history: festival organiser David Renton in front of the Martyrs’ mural |
Fear for Martyrs’ mural
Celebration to honour 1834 Dorset farm labourers’ march
A FAMOUS mural, the centrepiece of London’s biggest-ever celebration of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, is under threat because of plans to sell off a Barnsbury pub.
As the event launched with a Tolpuddle exhibition at West Library, concerns were expressed for the future of the Mitre pub in Copenhagen Street.
The pub provides the wall for the giant Tolpuddle mural painted by David Bangs in 1984 opposite Edward Square, where the festival is being held. However, neither the pub nor the wall is protected against developers, according to local residents.
Singer Billy Bragg and poet John Hegley are among the stars who will join political and trade union leaders in Edward Square on Saturday April 25 for the Tolpuddle march and festival, celebrating 175 years of trade union organising.
A series of events will commemorate London’s 1834 Grand Demonstration in support of the Martyrs, six Dorset farm labourers, who were early trade unionists.
David Renton, who began planning the event six months ago, said he was worried about the future of the mural.
“It is an important part of the borough’s heritage,” he said, “but it seems that no one has bothered to ensure its protection. The commercial company who own the pub have decided to sell it. We don’t know why. But as far as we know there is nothing to stop them destroying the mural on the side of the pub.”
Caledonian ward Labour councillor Paul Convery said there had been many rumours about the future of the pub. “The mural is there on the basis of good will as far as I know,” he said. “I’m going to inquire into whether there is time for it to be locally listed.”
Socialist artist Mr Bangs, speaking from Brighton, said he’d be very sad if the mural was destroyed.
“It took me two seasons to complete,” he said. “And I’ve always felt it was one of my best works.
“It represents a very important part of our history.
TOLPUDDLE TIMETABLE OF EVENTS
• Until April 25: The Martyrs’ story – the official Trades Union Congress exhibition at
West Library, Bridgeman Road, N1.
• Saturday April 18: Radical historical walk through Islington with David Rosenberg begins at Mitre pub, starting 11am.
• Monday April 20: Comedy night with John Hegley and Steve Parry, 7pm. Cross Kings pub, York Way, N1. Tickets £7 www.ticketweb.co.uk
• Tuesday April 21: Film night at Screen on the Green. Comrades story of the Martyrs and their families, starring Keith Allen. £10 www.screencinemas.com 0870 066 4777.
• Wednesday April 22: Sing your heart out with London’s political choir.
No experience needed. Jean Stokes community centre, Carnoustie Drive, N1.
• Saturday April 25: Historic plaque unveiling by Friends of Caledonian Park at noon to commemorate 175th anniversary of demonstration supporting the Martyrs.
March begins at 12.30pm in Caledonian Park.
All banners welcome.
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