London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Unveiling Katie and May Day at Headstone Manor
How not to unveil a statue – Harrow’s Mayor uncovers the ‘Katie’ sculpture in celebration of the town centre’s redevelopment
From the collection of:
Overview
Watch this amateur newsfilm closely and spot familiar sights of the 1980s high street from once popular brands to phonecard booths and shoulder pads aplenty. It captures the not entirely smooth unveiling of the ‘Katie’ statue erected in St Anns Rd to mark the pedestrianisation of the town centre and traditional May Day festivities at Headstone Park with a quirky elephant ride and obligatory Punch and Judy show.
Councillor Christine Bednell was Mayor of Harrow in 1987. Here, she tells the crowd that ‘Katie’, inspired by the daughter of sculptor James Butler, is the first statue erected in Harrow in living memory. A struggle with a sheet ensues as she and her French counterpart Jacques Vernier, from the twinned town of Douai, try to uncover the statue. The film ends with packed May Day celebrations at Harrow Museum and scenes of folk dancing and competitors going to great lengths to impress in a costume competition. The film was made by the Pinner Cine Society; set up in 1951 it is now the Harrow Film Makers.
Related
Watch for free
Protest March to Ruislip via Harrow Protest March to Ruislip via Harrow
Amateur film 1964 1 mins Location: Harrow
A spirited march and large, bombastic banners mark this political protest against the positioning of nuclear arms in Ruislip's USAF base.
Watch for free
Schools in Harrow Schools in Harrow
School programme and Educational film 1947 20 mins Silent Location: Harrow
State schools in the London borough
Watch for free
Newsreel 1966 Newsreel 1966
Amateur film 1966 14 mins Location: Harrow
Steam trains large and small and summer time fetes and fairs feature in this amateur newsreel from 1966.
Watch for free
Jubilee Newsreel Jubilee Newsreel
Amateur film 1977 6 mins Location: Harrow
Pomp and pageantry reign and St George is resurrected for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in this colourful newsreel from 1977
Watch for free
Newsreel 1971 Newsreel 1971
Amateur film 1971 16 mins Location: Harrow
There's stardust in the air in Harrow and not all is at it seems at a house fire in Northwood – watch to find out why.
Watch for free
Princess Di Wedding and Winter Snow Princess Di Wedding and Winter Snow
Amateur film 1982 4 mins Location: Harrow
Everyone's home in Harrow to witness Lady Di's debut as a Royal and a record-breaking winter causes chaos in 1981.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.