Who are the bigwigs and where?

[Dimps]

Unfortunately, it isn't Beresford Square - we would have spotted that immediately (we're local).  The newsreel was taken from an upper storey of a building on the "High Pavement" - a pavement which is only slightly raised above the main square.  There was no fence around the square and certainly no houses or shops of that style around the square.

By squinting, I can both agree and disagree about the level beyond the fence.  It still seems to me a pretty sombre occasion and one that people have dressed for (most people are formally-attired and, despite the flat caps, not one of the ubiquitous white scarves that were almost part of the working class uniform of the time can be spotted).   I am still convinced it was a gathering to pay respect - for either a much-respected local worthy or a tragedy. 

[Ruskie]

Why would you hold such gathering at that spot (underground) though Dimps? Also unsure about the table, cloth and flowers and whether it would fit with your theory? Also below the photo is/was the word "opening". 
But yes, it does not look like a celebration, or maybe the speech is very boring and everyone is fed up.

PS, is that an umbrella on the table?

[youngtug]

  I posted the film in answer to mazi's question                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

  how they are going to get thro' the crowd is another matter.

mike

  It is interesting though that the view of Beresford Square was thought to be on two levels has well.




Better if I had posted the link to the film        http://www.britishpathe.com/video/a-rapturous-reception

[Dimps]

I don't think it is underground - there is what appears to be a lamp post in the middle of the picture and no-one's in shadow.  I assumed it was on two levels - although I agree with one of the earlier comments that it is possible that the camera angle means that the shops and houses on the other side of the fence can be seen in their entirety and are actually on the same or similar level.  I think that the photographer is likely to be at an upstairs window rather than something that mirrors the fence and level to the rear of the picture. 

I was wondering about the opening of a book of condolence - there is a pen on the table.  Having said that, there's no book.  Everyone looks too serious for the opening of something new.

It's certainly a puzzler.

[Ruskie]

  I posted the film in answer to mazi's question                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

  how they are going to get thro' the crowd is another matter.

mike

 



Better if I had posted the link to the film        http://www.britishpathe.com/video/a-rapturous-receptionIt is interesting though that the view of Beresford Square was thought to be on two levels has well.

Looks like a street scene on one level to me .... 

[youngtug]

  I posted the film in answer to mazi's question                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

  how they are going to get thro' the crowd is another matter.

mike

 



Better if I had posted the link to the film        http://www.britishpathe.com/video/a-rapturous-receptionIt is interesting though that the view of Beresford Square was thought to be on two levels has well.

Looks like a street scene on one level to me .... 

  I posted the film in answer to mazi's question                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

  how they are going to get thro' the crowd is another matter.

mike

 



Better if I had posted the link to the film        http://www.britishpathe.com/video/a-rapturous-receptionIt is interesting though that the view of Beresford Square was thought to be on two levels has well.

Looks like a street scene on one level to me .... 

  [ I agree with Ruskie about the two levels - and I think these can be seen in YT's newsreel pics;]quote

[Dimps]

Thanks for that youngtug.  I've changed my mind about where the camera was placed (high vantage point) - it could be the top of the Arsenal main gate, rather than the High Pavement.

[Dimps]

But for the avoidance of doubt, the photograph is not of Beresford Square.

[ChrissieL]

It looks to me as if it is on two levels but not a tunnel or underpass. Behind the crowd are stalls, you can see the canopies or roofs above the clothes hanging up.   Is there anywhere in Woolwich where you would look down onto a square?