One of the things discussed in Julia Park's February column for BD was Brandrams Wharf in Rotherhithe. Originally built as a warehouse in the mid-1800s, many years later, following a severe fire, a group of local volunteers formed a co-operative and they were given a grant by the GLA to convert the building to housing. Levitt Bernstein was appointed as the architect and work began in 1984.

A few months ago we were contacted by Martina, someone who has called Brandrams Wharf home for the past ten years. She is researching the experiences of people living in co-operative or co-livng housing with Newcastle University. She asked us for early photos and drawings of the building and she reciprocated by sharing new shots taken from the same spots – some examples can be found here.

We’ve also recently been introduced to another Brandrams Wharf resident, Charlotte Ginsborg, who is a filmmaker. She has recently directed 'Songs for the River', a film that captures the building in its current state and how co-operative living affected the residents’ experiences of the pandemic. You can watch the trailer here.

The film is screening at Curzon Bloomsbury (on the Bertha Dochouse screen) at the Brunswick Centre, with short readings by spoken word poets and a Q&A with Charlotte, on Wednesday 23rd March. It will start at 6.30pm and advanced booking is encouraged. We hope to see you there!