 |
40 years after being immortalized on an iconic Beatles' album cover, the zebra crossing at Abbey Road in London has been declared a heritage site.
The crossing is the first of it's kind to be recognized and has been given a Grade II listing for it's cultural and historical importance. In a statement, British Minister for Toruism and Heritage, John Penrose, said "This London zebra is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10 minute photoshoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage" A Grade II listing means the crossing can only be altered with the approval of local authorities who would base their decision on the site's historic significance and condition.
The original zebra crossing where the album photo was taken was moved several metres to facilitate traffic management over 30 years ago. No original features remain but that hasn't ousted Abbey Road from it's place in popular culture.
The album cover was shot by photographer Iain Macmillan who had 10 minutes in which to take the picture of John, Paul, George and Ringo crossing the road while a policeman stopped traffic. Abbey Road features neither the band's name nor the album title on the cover. Even so, the words Abbey Road are instantly familiar to music fans. Now, there is even a 24 hour live video feed of the Abbey Road crossing online.
The Abbey Road crossing will join the Abbey Road Studios on the list of heritage sites. The Studios were given Grade II status in February 2010
The crossing is the first of it's kind to be recognized and has been given a Grade II listing for it's cultural and historical importance. In a statement, British Minister for Toruism and Heritage, John Penrose, said "This London zebra is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10 minute photoshoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage" A Grade II listing means the crossing can only be altered with the approval of local authorities who would base their decision on the site's historic significance and condition.
The original zebra crossing where the album photo was taken was moved several metres to facilitate traffic management over 30 years ago. No original features remain but that hasn't ousted Abbey Road from it's place in popular culture.
The album cover was shot by photographer Iain Macmillan who had 10 minutes in which to take the picture of John, Paul, George and Ringo crossing the road while a policeman stopped traffic. Abbey Road features neither the band's name nor the album title on the cover. Even so, the words Abbey Road are instantly familiar to music fans. Now, there is even a 24 hour live video feed of the Abbey Road crossing online.
The Abbey Road crossing will join the Abbey Road Studios on the list of heritage sites. The Studios were given Grade II status in February 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment