The Unveiling of the Spitalfields Dioramas

It is my great pleasure to invite you to a party to celebrate the unveiling of the restored Dioramas of Spitalfields at the Bishopsgate Library next week on Friday 29th June from 7pm. You may recall that back in March, Glyn Roberts, landlord of The Bell in Petticoat Lane, wrote to say he had discovered some neglected old models of Spitalfields in the cellar. Once upon a time, these beautiful dioramas by Howard Karslake enjoyed pride of place in the barroom, but when Glyn bought the pub three years ago they were dusty and damaged, and had been consigned to oblivion.

At that time, Glyn was looking for a new home for the dioramas and, thanks to my article, the Bishopsgate Institute agreed to take them. Now they have been lovingly repaired by Jenny Kallin and permanently installed in the library, and we hope you can be there at the grand unveiling by Mavis Bullwinkle followed by a knees-up with drinks and live music.

Please join us for an unforgettable evening to celebrate Spitalfields past and present. Be sure to email stefan.dickers@bishopsgate.org.uk to put your name on the list.

At the Truman Brewery Brick Lane, looking north.

The barroom of The Bell.

The cellar of The Bell.

Click this picture to enlarge the diorama of Petticoat Lane

The celebrated Mavis Bullwinkle who will be unveiling the dioramas.

Invitation designed by James Brown

You may like to read my original story

The Dioramas of Spitalfields