Testimonials
Reviews of The Belsize Story
"A thought-provoking labour of love, beautifully crafted and filmed."
Professor Andrew Saint, Survey of London, English Heritage
"What a splendid piece of work: I'm full of admiration over all the research undertaken and the information you've assembled,"
Dr Christopher Kitching CBE, FSA, FRHistS
“I have just seen the second volume of your extremely well-researched and highly impressive film.
“We think that past, present and future residents of Belsize Park – and beyond – are now and will be able to benefit from your inspiration in recognising the long-term value of the two films and making them with such erudition and skill. We are all indebted to you!"
Dr Mayer Hillman
Senior Fellow Emeritus, Policy Studies Institute
"Volume 2 is a triumph. All the research, the historic stills and the present views on film make a comprehensive record of the area now and for future generations. There is so much information we shall have to watch it many times before absorbing it all!
"If only the Camden planners would have an away day to look at your films and see the evidence of why the area is designated to be 'conserved' and why we strive to maintain the features that make it special.
"Having said that it is heartening to see so much that has been preserved, but not without a few battles along the way. With grateful thanks again from all us locals who love the area."
Francoise Findlay, Belsize resident
"Many congratulations on The Belsize Story – a fascinating and most beautifully made film – it is a joy to behold and also to listen to, with Fiona Bruce's excellent narrative voice. Brilliant achievement!"
S.L, London N10
"The Belsize Story is a film with many attractions. It beautifully surveys the streets, the avenues and lanes – and even the mews – of this delightful area, exploring its architecture, its history and its sense of community.
"In close-up it splendidly shows the details of the Victorian “white cliffs of Belsize” and the decorative red-brick mansions with their flora and fauna, gables and gryphons. The film also well reflects the lively community of the area, interviewing local residents and showing the day-to-day life of Belsize.
"David Percy has made a most important, attractive and imaginative record of this bustling part of London."
Christopher Wade, author 'Streets of Belsize'"
"A beautifully made film, and it made me feel very proud to be living in Belsize. I will now be looking at the architectural detail with fresh eyes."
R.B, Belsize resident
"Fantastic! A stunning film. I very much hope that it will find its way beyond the confines of Belsize Park. Certainly all colleges of architecture should invest in it."
A.G, Local resident
"A triumph. A fascinating story, beautifully photographed and edited, a great soundtrack and so stimulating. Walking down Belsize Avenue today I saw things I had never noticed before and the whole neighbourhood will now be seen with new eyes."
Y.D, Belsize resident
"The film reveals the living soul of Belsize Park as we know it today. With impeccable camera craftsmanship and drawn from numerous historic sources, incorporating digitally-restored archive photographs and engravings, the film reveals a 'three-dimensional builders’ pattern-book of fashionable styles. The stories of distinguished previous inhabitants are recorded in the narration by Fiona Bruce."
Gene Adams, Former Chair, Belsize Conservation Area Advisory Committee
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