History

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Contact: Manfred Kiefner  Tel: 0207 359 0190 Here's a brief pictorial history of Camden Passage. Further details about it's colourful past can be found in John Payton's book "From Camden Passage with Love". The official opening of Camden Passage on September 3rd, 1960. Agnes Seeley, Mayor of Islington and Michael Medwin are greeted by John Payton Aspects of Camden Passage. Left : Mr John Payton studies the plan for the Pierrepont Arcade of permanent shops to be built on the cleared site. Center : Stallholders are prepared to sit through the long cold day. Comedian Stanley Baxter opens the 3rd Art Exhibition in 1961 Miss Polly Elwes, who opened the Camden Passage Art Exhibition at the QANTAS Gallery on Monday with her husband Peter Dimmock, looking at the painting they chose. The Camden Passage Association presented the picture to her. Left to Right : Mrs J. Payton, Arthur Howard, Mrs Bronowski, John Payton, Agnes Seeley, Mayor of Islington and Derek de Marney, star of 'Dangerous Moonlight' Saturday crowds seek out the many bargains on the stalls in front of the Pierrepont Arcade. There are two main market days - Wednesday, the trade day, when a very early rise is advisable, and Saturday, which starts at the more civilized hour of 9 am. The unveiling of the Cruden Memorial plaque by Poet Laureate, John Betjeman and Church Dignitaries. Guests at the inaugural cocktail party ... Daphne Guinness, fashion journalist, Sheree Winton, film and Television celebrity, Leigh Underhill, Camden Passage Antique Dealer and Diana Fisher, daughter-in-law of The Archbishop of Canterbury. Right : A cycle shop faces the new shops and market stalls across the passage. A Highland Piper and Publicity Manager for Camden Passage Trades Accociation (the piper's on the left!). Professor Bronowski points out the finer points of art to Daphne Guinness. A busy day in the heart of Camden Passage. Note Finbar MacDonell's print shop on the left. Princess Margeret casts a professional-looking eye over the offerings in Camden Passage... Alexander Cruden looks down on the Camden Passage he knew more than 200 years ago.