Guest post by local historian Philip Grant
A scene from the opening ceremony at Wembley Stadium, 29 July 1948.
(Image from the internet)
This month sees the 75th anniversaries of the opening of Olympic Way, and the opening ceremony of the 1948 Olympic Games at Wembley, which the new route to the stadium was built for. As part of celebrating this important time from Wembley’s history, I will be giving an illustrated talk on Friday 21 July, which anyone is welcome to attend (although there will be a small charge if you are not a member of Wembley History Society).
As well as the story of the Games themselves, the talk will look at some of the local issues. This was a time of post-war austerity - where would the athletes and visitors stay, would there be enough food for everyone, as there was strict rationing, and how much should Wembley Borough Council spend on decorating the Town Hall and local streets for the event?
The Town Hall in Forty Lane with its 1948 Olympics decorations. (Image from Brent Archives)
The talk is taking place at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Kingsbury at 7.30pm on Friday 21 July (see poster for location and nearest bus routes). I hope you will be able to come along, if the subject is of interest to you.
If you can’t manage it on 21 July, and you are available during the day, I will be presenting the talk again at a free Brent Libraries “coffee morning” event at Ealing Road Library, on Tuesday 3 October from 11am to 12noon. [Why that Library? Well, there is a local link to the 1948 Olympics!]. The event is not on the Brent Culture Service Eventbrite page yet, so please make a note in your diary, to reserve your place nearer the time.
Philip Grant.
3 comments:
This announcement about the 1948 Olympic Games at Wembley highlights several issues that can be examined through a Marxist lens. Firstly, it mentions the post-war austerity that was prevalent during that time. From a Marxist perspective, this austerity can be seen as a result of the capitalist system that prioritises profit over the well-being of the working class. The fact that there were concerns about accommodation for athletes and visitors, as well as food shortages due to rationing, reveals the inherent contradictions of capitalism.
The 1948 Olympics was itself a manifestation of capitalist exploitation and inequality. The focus on competition and nationalism, served as a spectacle that distracts the masses from the systemic issues and class struggles inherent in capitalist societies. The enormous amounts of money invested in hosting the Olympics, often at the expense of social welfare programs and infrastructure development for the working class, highlights the skewed priorities of a capitalist system that prioritises profit and prestige over the well-being of the majority. The Olympics also perpetuate a false sense of national pride and unity, fostering a sense of loyalty to the nation-state rather than promoting international solidarity among the working class. We remember how Hitler used it to showboat. Moreover, the exploitation of athletes, who are often subjected to grueling training regimes and unfair labor conditions, exemplifies how the capitalist system values profit generation over the dignity and rights of individuals. Nowdays the Olympics just symbolises the contradictions of capitalism, showcasing the stark disparities between the wealthy elite and the exploited working class, while diverting attention away from the fundamental issues of class struggle and systemic injustice. Is this something we should really be commemorating?
Moreover, the mention of Wembley Borough Council's decision on how much to spend on decorating the Town Hall and local streets for the event raises questions about the allocation of resources under capitalism. This expenditure can be seen as a reflection of the ruling class's priorities, where resources are directed towards promoting a positive image for the bourgeoisie rather than addressing the needs of the working class.
Additionally, the reference to a small charge for non-members of the Wembley History Society to attend the illustrated talk brings attention to the commodification of knowledge and history. Marxism emphasises the importance of accessible education for all, and the imposition of fees creates a barrier that limits access to information, reinforcing the class divisions within society.
Lastly, the mention of the free event at Brent Libraries' "coffee morning" brings up the concept of cultural events as a means of controlling and pacifying the working class. While it is positive that the event is free, it is important to consider how such events may serve to distract and divert attention from more significant systemic issues faced by the working class.
The 1948 Olympics held at Wembley would have cost a tiny percentage of the money spent on modern day Olympic Games.
My relative from a hard up working class family went to the 1948 Olympics as a 15 year old and still talks about it today as a joyous event after the stresses of the second World War.
Dear Anonymous Marxist (8 July at 15:04),
You are welcome to look at the world through a Marxist lens, but I prefer a simpler approach.
Since I retired, I've been able to spend some of my time pursuing my interest in local history as a hobby. I've come across many interesting pueces of information, and built up a collection of images.
Rather than keep these to myself, like some caitalist miser, I like to share these local history stories with others who may be interested, through illustrated articles (on "Wembley Matters" and through Brent Archives), and by giving some illustrated talks.
When you were writing your comment, I was at the St Andrew's Church Open Day, along with oyher local historians from Wembley and Willesden, sharing our knowledge for free.
Members of local history societies pay an annual subscription, but hiring a hall for meetings costs money, so we do ask visitors to pay a small contribution to help cover costs.
The free "coffee morning" events at Brent Libraries are not about controlling the working classes. They are aimed at those who are around during the day, retired people, unemployed or parents taking a break from the daily routine of schoolruns, housework and shopping. They encourage these people to come to and use their free local library, with a welcoming event which is, hopefully, interesting and enjoyable.
It may not fit with Marxist doctrine, but you will be pleased to know that I am not profitting from my active hobby. I pride myself on being an AMATEUR local historian, and I don't charge for any of the tslks I give or articles I write.
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