Blue plaques are a distinctive form of historical marker found in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, typically installed on buildings to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or significant historical happening. They provide a tangible connection to the past, often highlighting places where notable figures lived or worked.
The concept of blue plaques originated in London in the late 19th century.
The first blue plaque was installed in 1867 at the birthplace of the poet Lord Byron in Cavendish Square, London. However, this plaque was not blue but a bronze disc. The practice of installing blue plaques as we know them today began in 1901 when the London County Council (LCC) took over the scheme from the [Royal] Society of Arts.
The blue plaque scheme gained momentum in the early 20th century, with the London County Council taking a more systematic approach to the installations.
Today, English Heritage manages the blue plaque scheme in London, where it has become an iconic feature of the streetscape.
The criteria for installing blue plaques have evolved over time. Initially, the focus was on individuals who had made significant contributions to national life, such as writers, scientists, politicians and artists. However, in recent years, the criteria have broadened to include individuals from a more diverse range of backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from working-class backgrounds.
Blue plaques typically feature white lettering on a circular blue background. The design has remained relatively consistent since the early 20th century
Each plaque is made entirely by hand. The 1,000th blue plaque, marking the offices of the Women's Freedom League, 1908–1915, was unveiled in 2023 by Ned Heywood and Julia Land, the working couple who have been making the ceramic plaques in Chepstow, Wales since 2015. Prior to that, from 1984 until 2015 they were made by Frank Ashworth at his studio in Cornwall, and were then inscribed by his wife. You can watch a short but sweet video of them making the plaque to commemorate the singer Freddie Mercury HERE.
The British scheme has directly or indirectly provided the inspiration and model for many others around the world, e.g. in Australia where the people celebrated by Blue Plaques NSW include colourful Sydney identity Arthur Stace [RR#1: 23], painter Brett Whiteley and the champion Hawaiian swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku.
Story Idea: Remo Giuffré
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References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_plaque
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-66306532
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/
Images
1. Blue Plaque for P.L. Travers, Author of Mary Poppins
2. Plaque unveiling for Leslie Hutchinson
3. Blue Plaque for Oscar Wilde
4. Judy Dench with plaque for Ada Salter
5. John Lennon lived here in 1968
6. Ned Heywood making Blue Plaque #1000 for The Women's Freedom League
7. Video: Making Freddie Mercury's London Blue Plaque, English Heritage, 2017
8. Wendy Whiteley pictured out the front of her Lavender Bay home. Photo: Matthew Dunbar for Heritage NSW.
9. Champion Hawaiian swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku
10. Duke Plaque at Freshwater Surf Club. Image Credit: Tim Pascoe photography.
