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.
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.
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 😉
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.
@@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.
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 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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.
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
The power stations I once worked in had none of the grandeur of Battersea. The beautiful control room was depicted as a BBC transmitting station during 'The King's Speech' film. However, despite the technicians beavering away at the control panels to broadcast the King, all of the meters & dials are at zero. Oops! An oversight by the film company!
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.
I have no shame, I'll make the joke of "another powerful episode". Wait, I just read the other comments and Phil Rougier had a better take on the joke then me! Still, jokes aside, this was really good. Why on Earth isn't the BBC bankrolling you? This could easily be a television series.
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.
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 👍👍
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 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?
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.
@@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 RUclips videos saying how it was a top secret place!
@@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) 🧐
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 👍👍👍
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.
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 ❤
That's some ugly flats! 🤢🤮 Love the Battersea Power Station and I'm a sucker for Art Deco as well! You popped up on my feed, watched, liked and subscribed! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻
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
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.
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! 😊😊
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 !
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 .
Nice video I think Battersea power station is amazing good for the power but good for the people and culture shame that’s it’s not a power station but at least the public can be inside and it’s also a shame that the 4 chimneys have been rebuilt I love the pink floyd album and the artwork I didn’t now what the hell what was the artwork on it it just look somewhere in London and I was like why the giant pig track 2 dogs the breakdown guitar riff heavenly and the whole album is worth listening but now I know what it is I think I’m caring about the album and battersea power station 😂 good vid mate .
Love that ‘Monster Soup’ etching, Rob - is it Gillray or Rowlandson? And good to see the clip of Oscar Homolka in Sabotage too - many years ago, I met Gerry Anderson and asked him if he’d based the face of The Hood from Thunderbirds on Oscar Homolka; his rather dour reply was: “I didn’t sculpt the puppet heads.” So that was me told! 🤔🤣
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!
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.
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.
Amazing biopic of this iconic building. I love what they did with it, but shame it is mostly hidden now. Its a shame they couldnt figure out a way to make it some sort of hydro station.... would of helped keep the cost down of electric by having a supply of it in the UK.... but such is the privatisational world we live in these days. Kepp well Rob, love to family and looking forward to the next one.
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.
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
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.
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
Fascinating, thank you❤was there also some plans for Battersea to become a large aquarium? Or did I dream that 😂haven't been yet but may do on a future visit.
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.
I think Helen Skelton did a tightrope walk across the derelict site for Blue Peter. I visited the new developement a few days ago and thought that it was for well heelled tourists as opposed to the locals.
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.
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.
Hi Rob, by chance I happened across another cinematic appearance of Battersea Power Station. It’s seen in the 1971 British Film “All Coppers Are” a rather forgettable film shot in London featuring many well known British actors and actresses. The film is to be found here on RUclips.
In the early 70’s l use to pass the station as a commuter. Considering it is a listed building, l think the new development does not do it any favours. l imagine buying it was a good money maker.
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 ❤️
The power station looks good but the new developments around the Stn is rather ugly, boring and corporatively sanitised and no longer feels like or even looks like a power station but at least the original power station building still stands (and is featured in the logo for Wandsworth Borough Council)
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! 👍👍
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. 😅👍
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.
I actually never knew that BPS only had two towers when originally constructed. To be honest I long wanted it demolished when it closes and fell into disrepair in the 1980s and 90s. But I’m kind of glad it’s still there and the site is becoming quite an exciting area.
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.
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
Thank you very much for your insights. I coincidentally happened to be there in October, on the third day after its (re-)opening. Very impressive. Talked to a salesperson there who happened to live around my corner here in Calgary, Canada. Small world. I think 1984 is the most fitting movie. Tate Modern is carved from the same wood.
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!
In his autobiography, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones spent a period of his childhood in Battersea & the power station was practically the perfect playground for a little London street urchin (or in this case a little skinhead being the late 60s) with a sense of adventure. There was always some unlocked door he could get in and just wander around and look at all the big machinery and he talked about how noisy it was and how there were all these little stairways and passages cubbyholes to hide in if any of the station workers were about. He managed to sneak his way up to the roof and even made it to the top one of the chimneys and said the view of the river was unbelievable.
This is FASCINATING! Thank you so much! I went to visit yesterday with family and friends and was utterly gobsmacked but the immensity of the structure. I wanted to see what it was like inside, so searched on YT and have loved watching this video, which covers even more information. This must have taken ages to collate and put together, but is a gem! Have now subscribed to you. Well done for your superb work. 👏👏👏👏
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!
A similar version was built in Ijora, Nigeria in the 1920s which housed the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). I wonder if it was the same architect ie Scott or just emblematic of 1920s architecture?
I've visited it a couple of times. It does seem a pity that you need to buy a ticket for a guided tour if you want to go in Control room A (as I probably will). But then, when you consider the millions they spent doing an incredible restoration job on it, well, I'm beginning to think I'll likely buy a ticket. Includes a tour around other parts of the station also.
It's a feat of engineering that it lasted 50years, especially those 50years in which electricity use rose exponentially...I often imagined what it must have been like to be a workaday trudging off to work every morning and spending the next 8hours in this gorgeous building. I never actually made it there, but I got to see its little brother, Bankside, when I flew in to London from Switzerland, for what was to be the last time I would ever see my mother alive. We went to Tate Modern which had just recently opened and then strolled along Southbank which had been recently gentrified as well.I was in awe at the sight of Bankside, I can only imagine what Battersea is like
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
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!
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.
Now we know what to do for our 40the wedding anniversary! It’s not THAT far from San Francisco, and we have countless British relatives, as the English breed like bunnies. My ancestors came over on boats in the 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 hundreds… no, wait, 20th Century, I meant. Boats, never airplanes. And Mum-in-law was a war bride from Blackpool, where the friendliest people in the world outside of Ohio live!
BPS is so expensive, I cannot even afford to look at it from the other side of the river…..
😂
Is it just a huge retail outlet then?😢
@@tomgirldouble3249 Pretty much, yes...
@@Robslondon how disappointing, I thought it was an art gallery or entertainment venue…still at least it’s not been demolished🤔💜💙
Even talking about it costs money. A fiver please 😅
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.
It’s an absolute pleasure, thank you so much for watching 😊
@@Robslondon Trick or Treat. : ruclips.net/video/jBcXqt9tpIA/видео.html November Rain.
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.
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 😉
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.! 😄
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.
@@curtislowe4577 It would've been yes...
@@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.
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 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Incredible comment Peter, thank you. Hope the injury didn’t affect him too much?
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.
Ha ha! Lovely, lovely comment Muzza- made my morning :-) Thank you mate; cheers and stay well.
I'm just waiting for a Melbourne, Tina Arena Arena.
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
Beautiful comment Gordon, thank you. Hope you make it back here soon!
I do love the Art Deco building style, and so glad that it has survived being flattened. Another fine informative video Rob
Thanks Paul!
@@Robslondon ruclips.net/video/p4nLDKgKqqg/видео.html November RAIN!
I love Art Deco architecture. I had the privilege to visit Hoover Dam last year and witness its beautiful art deco designs.
The power stations I once worked in had none of the grandeur of Battersea. The beautiful control room was depicted as a BBC transmitting station during 'The King's Speech' film. However, despite the technicians beavering away at the control panels to broadcast the King, all of the meters & dials are at zero. Oops! An oversight by the film company!
Ha ha! Great comment Peter ;-) Cheers.
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.
Ah, nice one! 😉
Wish Chelsea could have made their stadium there...
I have no shame, I'll make the joke of "another powerful episode". Wait, I just read the other comments and Phil Rougier had a better take on the joke then me! Still, jokes aside, this was really good. Why on Earth isn't the BBC bankrolling you? This could easily be a television series.
Ha ha! Thanks so much Patrick… one can always dream 😉 Really appreciate your kind words; cheers and stay well.
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.
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.
That was a really interesting video. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! :-)
Looking forward to another powerhouse of a documentary, Rob ❤
Cheers Phil!
All your stuff is good - but this is just stand-out excellent.
That means so much to me Darrien, thank you my friend.
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 👍👍
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Your videos are so professional Rob.
Much appreciated Mark, thank you
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...
Thanks Phil, brilliant comment. Can you spot her in the film?
@@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?
That's a great memory of your Aunt, and very appropriate to this video.
Oh how I loved Gilbert o'sullivan-Clare!
All gone soon.. ruclips.net/video/uuozlVCXpHQ/видео.html
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.
Good comment, thanks. Agree about the cranes, I'm not sure what happened to them... hopefully they've been stashed away somewhere...
I worked on Keybridge House I’m the 90s… we used to collect from the basement… creepy place lol
@@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 RUclips videos saying how it was a top secret place!
@@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) 🧐
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 😅
Thank you Sarah Louise! Yes, be sure to pop down there 😉
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 🙂
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.
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.
Yes indeed, I’d rather have the power station as it is now as opposed to rotting away. Cheers for watching and stay well.
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.
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.
As a yank over here in Indiana, US, all I can say is BRAVO 👍💯🇬🇧 This is a wonderfully informative and entertaining episode!
Really appreciate that Bob! Thanks my friend ;-)
Wait I thought a yank was someone from New England?
All your videos are interesting and good to watch. Thank you Rob
Thank you! Much appreciated ☺️
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
It's a pleasure as always Butch, thank you so much for the kind words and support. Stay well ;-)
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.
Ha ha 😉 Lovely comment t Dave, cheers
Battersea power station is the largest brick building ever constructed.
Hi Rob, another brilliant informative production. The flats they built blocking the view should never have been allowed, they are so ugly!!!
Thanks so much Pam… and yes, I agree 😉
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.
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.
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).
Brilliant thoughts as always 😉 Cheers!
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.
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 👍👍👍
That means a lot to me Nicholas, many thanks mate.
This is such a great video. Thanks for making it. I learnt heaps :)
An absolute pleasure Jamie! Thank you so much for the kind words 😄
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.
Great comment, I didn't know about the Sherlock episode. And yes, Gorgo gets to wade off into the Thames ;-)
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 ❤
Thank you so much Louise 😊
That's some ugly flats! 🤢🤮
Love the Battersea Power Station and I'm a sucker for Art Deco as well!
You popped up on my feed, watched, liked and subscribed! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻
Cheers Duececoupe; good to have you here!
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!!!!
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.
Thanks for a very informative video Rob. I appreciate how much work you do to pack each episode full of fascinating facts. 👍
Much appreciated Roy, thank you so much
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
Thanks Leanne. Yes, I know the steel works you mean, devastating for the community; very sorry to hear.
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.
Thanks so much Liam- yes, I'd rather have it there than not at all, that's for sure! Cheers and stay well.
Agreed, there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs.
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.
Thanks Raymonda :-) Yes, it's a wonderful clip isn't it! Lucky it survived.
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! 😊😊
Thank you so much Annette, a lovely comment 😊 Stay well
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 !
Thanks so much, Mr John. Yes, I'm lucky enough to have some great commentators ;-)
It closed on my first birthday 🎈. Another excellent video Rob, once again you've knocked it out of the (Battersea) park!
Ha ha! Cheers Ted ;-)
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 .
Lovely comment Mark, thank you.
Nice video I think Battersea power station is amazing good for the power but good for the people and culture shame that’s it’s not a power station but at least the public can be inside and it’s also a shame that the 4 chimneys have been rebuilt I love the pink floyd album and the artwork I didn’t now what the hell what was the artwork on it it just look somewhere in London and I was like why the giant pig track 2 dogs the breakdown guitar riff heavenly and the whole album is worth listening but now I know what it is I think I’m caring about the album and battersea power station 😂 good vid mate .
Cheers Dolan ;-) Nice comment,
Love that ‘Monster Soup’ etching, Rob - is it Gillray or Rowlandson? And good to see the clip of Oscar Homolka in Sabotage too - many years ago, I met Gerry Anderson and asked him if he’d based the face of The Hood from Thunderbirds on Oscar Homolka; his rather dour reply was: “I didn’t sculpt the puppet heads.” So that was me told! 🤔🤣
Ha ha! great comment! A shame to hear Gerry Anderson was grumpy though… The etching I’m not sure about, it’s not Cruikshank is it?
@@Robslondon Could be Cruikshank - I’ ll look it up!
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!
Thanks so much Jim! I didn't think of that; been ages since I saw that series :-) Cheers and stay well.
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.
Thanks Mark- and well said 😉
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.
Cheers Jamie ;-) Stay well mate.
Thanks Rob That was a very interesting video of Battersea power station and its history. Well done.
Much appreciated Ron, thank you!
Amazing biopic of this iconic building. I love what they did with it, but shame it is mostly hidden now.
Its a shame they couldnt figure out a way to make it some sort of hydro station.... would of helped keep the cost down of electric by having a supply of it in the UK.... but such is the privatisational world we live in these days.
Kepp well Rob, love to family and looking forward to the next one.
Cheers John! Interesting thoughts, a hydro station would’ve been very interesting… stay well mate.
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.
A great comment David, thank you so much. Hope you enjoy your next trip!
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
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.
A lovely comments as always :-) Thank you so much; truly hope you enjoy your stay!
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
Thank you Dave 🙂
Fascinating, thank you❤was there also some plans for Battersea to become a large aquarium? Or did I dream that 😂haven't been yet but may do on a future visit.
It wouldn’t surprise me!! Will have to look into that now as I’m intrigued… it would make a pretty decent aquarium
to be fair!! 😂
@@Robslondon a sealife type centre a Japanese company I think🤔
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.
I think Helen Skelton did a tightrope walk across the derelict site for Blue Peter. I visited the new developement a few days ago and thought that it was for well heelled tourists as opposed to the locals.
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.
Thanks so much Ken, that means a lot to me. It’s lovely to have you here! Cheers and have a great Easter!
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.
A wonderful comment, thank you 😊
Another wonderful vlog so interesting and expertly researched glad it didn’t get knocked down
Thanks so much David ☺️
Hi Rob, by chance I happened across another cinematic appearance of Battersea Power Station. It’s seen in the 1971 British Film “All Coppers Are” a rather forgettable film shot in London featuring many well known British actors and actresses. The film is to be found here on RUclips.
Nice one Mark thanks; will look it up!
In the early 70’s l use to pass the station as a commuter. Considering it is a listed building, l think the new development does not do it any favours. l imagine buying it was a good money maker.
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 ❤️
Thank you so much Lindi! Lovely comment. Yes, the tomb and Old St Pancras churchyard deserve a video of their own!
@@Robslondon ooh thank you and yes please 👌🏻
The power station looks good but the new developments around the Stn is rather ugly, boring and corporatively sanitised and no longer feels like or even looks like a power station but at least the original power station building still stands (and is featured in the logo for Wandsworth Borough Council)
Blimey, so much interesting stuff in the video.
Great job Rob 😉
I've never been myself.
Thanks so much Basil! Hope you’re keeping well.
they should have never blocked the powerstations view at any angle
I agree Cliff
I have always loved Battersea Power Station. I look forward on my pending trip to London to go there to see it close up.
😊
Great video. Really enjoyed learning the history of such an iconic landmark that I knew little about.
Thank you so much :-)
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! 👍👍
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. 😅👍
Really appreciate that, thank you ;-) Stay well.
I used to pass it twice a day monday to friday :-) I still live only up the road at Mitcham Common
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.
Such a lovely comment Darren, thank you- that means a lot to me. Cheers and stay well.
Another great video and lesson.. Wonderful, keep it up and thank you!
Thank you so much :-) Stay well.
I actually never knew that BPS only had two towers when originally constructed. To be honest I long wanted it demolished when it closes and fell into disrepair in the 1980s and 90s. But I’m kind of glad it’s still there and the site is becoming quite an exciting area.
Nice comment Michelle, thanks
It's also worth mentioning that Giles Gilbert Scott also designed the Post-War rebuild of the House of Commons chamber
He did indeed! Deserves a video of his own really
Wow! Great content again and had forgotten somethings. Great to reminisce and at the same time to learn something new. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much Gill ☺️
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.
Thank you for such a lovely comment, it’s good to have you here! Stay well ☺️
Great and interesting content. I love it once again. Thanks Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍
Thanks so much Sharon ☺️
An Electrifying Episode Rob, As Usual 😘
Ah, thank you D C :-)
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
Lovely comment Debz, thank you!
I remember this building from command and conquer.
Thank you very much for your insights. I coincidentally happened to be there in October, on the third day after its (re-)opening. Very impressive. Talked to a salesperson there who happened to live around my corner here in Calgary, Canada. Small world.
I think 1984 is the most fitting movie. Tate Modern is carved from the same wood.
Nice comment, thank you
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!
A wonderful comment, thanks so much for making it to the end! 😉
One of the most beautiful architectural buildings of the 20th Century? The engineering, and energy truly served a purpose.
:-)
In his autobiography, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones spent a period of his childhood in Battersea & the power station was practically the perfect playground for a little London street urchin (or in this case a little skinhead being the late 60s) with a sense of adventure. There was always some unlocked door he could get in and just wander around and look at all the big machinery and he talked about how noisy it was and how there were all these little stairways and passages cubbyholes to hide in if any of the station workers were about. He managed to sneak his way up to the roof and even made it to the top one of the chimneys and said the view of the river was unbelievable.
Brilliant comment, thank you- I want to read that book now! :-)
This is FASCINATING! Thank you so much! I went to visit yesterday with family and friends and was utterly gobsmacked but the immensity of the structure. I wanted to see what it was like inside, so searched on YT and have loved watching this video, which covers even more information. This must have taken ages to collate and put together, but is a gem! Have now subscribed to you. Well done for your superb work. 👏👏👏👏
Thank you so much Julie! I really appreciate your kind words; it’s good to have you here. Thanks again and stay well.
Amazing history, thank you.
Thank you ☺️
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!
THE ORB are the most memorable musicians to represent
A similar version was built in Ijora, Nigeria in the 1920s which housed the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). I wonder if it was the same architect ie Scott or just emblematic of 1920s architecture?
Interesting! Will have to look that up.
Excellent work, sir. Thank you.
Thank you so much 😊
I've visited it a couple of times. It does seem a pity that you need to buy a ticket for a guided tour if you want to go in Control room A (as I probably will). But then, when you consider the millions they spent doing an incredible restoration job on it, well, I'm beginning to think I'll likely buy a ticket. Includes a tour around other parts of the station also.
Good comment, thanks.
It's a feat of engineering that it lasted 50years, especially those 50years in which electricity use rose exponentially...I often imagined what it must have been like to be a workaday trudging off to work every morning and spending the next 8hours in this gorgeous building. I never actually made it there, but I got to see its little brother, Bankside, when I flew in to London from Switzerland, for what was to be the last time I would ever see my mother alive. We went to Tate Modern which had just recently opened and then strolled along Southbank which had been recently gentrified as well.I was in awe at the sight of Bankside, I can only imagine what Battersea is like
Great comments, thank you :-)
Such a cool transformation of an iconic building with so much history, incredible design and engineering 🏭🌇🏭🌇
😄
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
Thank you Mike! And well said 😉
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!
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.
Now we know what to do for our 40the wedding anniversary! It’s not THAT far from San Francisco, and we have countless British relatives, as the English breed like bunnies. My ancestors came over on boats in the 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 hundreds… no, wait, 20th Century, I meant. Boats, never airplanes. And Mum-in-law was a war bride from Blackpool, where the friendliest people in the world outside of Ohio live!
Ha ha 🙂Yes folk from Blackpool/Lancashire are lovely! Thanks Lisa and stay well.