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
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
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Watch for free
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Watch for free
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Watch for free
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.