Ted in Wandsworth is 71-80 and is retired.
Ted came to the UK in 1960 and has lived in London around 30 years. He came across from Guyana with his Father and an Aunt to “seek a better life” (his mother having died).
After some time as a student, he got a job at a hospital and joined a number of social clubs and associations. Here he got to mix with all types of people and enjoyed a number of “posh balls and dances”! Aside from those attended through the YMCA; he attended a memorable Nurses Ball held through Kings College Hospital at the Dorchester Hotel. There was a full orchestra, a dinner and dancing.
Though Ted did spend time in West London, most of his life has been in South London. He recalls a big picnic held at the St John’s Church Gardens in Lambeth. He also talked of how he had visited Buckingham Palace 7 times since it had been made open to the public.
He has enjoyed attending evening classes at various Art Schools, working on largely largely still life. (We hope he will be able to share some of his work with us). He also spoke of a couple of photo albums he has at home that he was happy to share with us.
Film Maker:
Questions & Answers
- What's your first memory of London? When I first landed in London, I was disappointed because I thought it looked a bit ancient. My father was quick to tell me that I hadn’t seen the whole of London. And he was right.
- What do you miss when you're away from London? London is where all the action is! You can never learn enough about London or its people. You meet people from all over the world.
- What's your favourite neighbourhood? I’ve lived in west London, North London and now live in South London - I have all my needs met here now. All of my friends.
- What's your favourite building? I did once live in a mansion when I was working at Middlesex hospital. But it was only a small section of the mansion. That was beautiful. I also love Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
- What's your ideal day out in London? I did once live in a mansion when I was working at Middlesex hospital. But it was only a small section of the mansion. That was beautiful. I also love Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
- What's your ideal night out in London? I like to go to grand functions where I can dress up and look smart. I also like to go to the theatre.
- What's your most hated building? Not particularly.
- What's the best view in London? Top of the hilton hotel in park lane
- What's your favourite open space? Kew Gardens
- What's the most interesting shop? Marks & Spencers - best dresses.
- What's been your most memorable night out in London? Any night where I’ve gone to Dinner Balls and dances.
- What's the worst journey you've had to make in London? I don’t like to document bad things. I always think about positive experiences.
- Who's your favourite fictional Londoner? Sherlock Holmes.
- If you could travel to any time period in London, past or future, where would you go? Although there are some merits about the past - I very much prefer the present. But if I had a time machine I’d travel to both the past and future.
- For you, who is the ultimate Londoner? Bruce Forsyth