A significant restoration project at Alexandra Palace, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, has uncovered a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Work on the North East Office Building, which has been inaccessible since 1981, has revealed a glimpse into the rich history of the “People’s Palace.” Thanks to a £550,000 grant from Historic England, repairs began in February 2024 to stabilize the structure, including the replacement of decayed brickwork and timber, and the restoration of historic roof lanterns.
As workers explored the area, several intriguing finds emerged:
- A Lipton’s drinks bottle dating back to around 1878, linking the site to its Victorian roots. The Alexandra Palace archives even feature a tram advertisement for Lipton’s outside the building in the 1920s.
- A BBC coffee cup bearing a 1960s logo, a relic from the days when the Open University broadcasted from the Palace’s studios between 1971 and 1981.
- A Codd bottle, an early design for carbonated drinks by Hiram Codd, dating back 150 years and produced by a London bottling company later acquired by R Whites.
- A mysterious tiny wooden shoe, the purpose of which remains unknown. Alexandra Palace has invited the public to share any theories about this curious artifact.
Restoration and Future Plans
The North East Office Building, originally used for administrative purposes as early as 1875, housed offices for the Palace Superintendent, a ticket office, and a costume room. In the 1970s, it became home to the Open University production unit. This renovation is part of a broader initiative to bring Alexandra Palace back to its former glory. Recent restorations include the reopening of the Victorian Theatre in 2018 and the transformation of the East Court, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Haringey Council.
With the North East Office Building restoration set to finish by the end of 2024, the Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust aims to reopen this space to the public. However, further funding will be required to achieve this ambitious goal.
Alexandra Palace: A Living Landmark
Opened in 1873, Alexandra Palace was designed as a “Palace of the People,” offering recreation and cultural enrichment for Londoners. Today, it continues to serve this mission as a vibrant cultural hub hosting concerts, exhibitions, and community events, while preserving its history for future generations. These recent discoveries highlight the layers of history embedded in its walls, from its Victorian beginnings to its role in pioneering British television and education.
For more information about Alexandra Palace and its restoration efforts, visit Alexandra Palace’s website.
Pictures courtesy of Alexandra Palace:
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.