Markfield Beam Engine – Steaming into action this weekend

For many years I have been noticing the brown tourist information signs off the Tottenham one way system that point to Markfield Beam Engine, making a mental note to check it out.
Fiinally, last Bank Holiday weekend I did just that – and what a lovely treat cos we timed our visit so that we could see the power of steam.

It's hard to believe that this amazing piece of waste-pumping machinery sat for many decades bricked up and out of action. But now, thanks to the efforts of a group of enthusiasts and volunteers it can be viewed approximately twice a month including 'steam days' when the steam-powered beam engine can be seen in action. See here for more info.
Markfield Park in itself is also worth a visit – be sure check out how original features from the old sewage works have been cleverly revamped and remodelled for modern use to become gardens, a cafe and a skate park.
Easily accessible from Seven Sisters tube, South Tottenham Station or the River Lea towpath.

Tottenham's Army Club ghost sign RIP

Travelling back from that big blue and yellow shop last week I was dismayed to see that the old Army Club cigarettes advertisement adjacent to the Tottenham Village's High Cross, was no longer visible. I took a snap from the bus and when I got home I checked against my old photos.  

I can now confirm that it's gone. 

A new building has been constructed next door which echoes sympathetically the style of the old building, but for some inexplicable reason, even though the Army Club sign would not have been visible even if you were stood in the narrow alley, the whole side wall has been completely whitewashed, therefore obliterating the painted ad. 

Here is the progression over the last six years:

In 2008 it was covered by a modern advertising panel, then in 2010 the old sign was revealed complete with part of a lovely rendition of the smirking officer who was the Army Club's motif and appeared on most of the brand's ads and tins. The third pic is the one I took from the bus last week.

What a shame. 

So it got me thinking about all the other old painted advertisements with life-like images on them that can be found in the London area. 

Below is a montage of the best ones I have found. They include ads for well-known brands such as Gillette, Brymay, Redferns and Black Cat cigarettes. Perhaps some of these have since been covered up too. Please do let me know if you have updates.

Find these images in my Ghostsigns of London folder on Flickr.