It’s been described as London’s forgotten bridge, overshadowed by its showier neighbours upstream and downstream.
Now, Southwark Bridge is finally enjoying its moment in the spotlight, as the subject of the first poem written under a unique residency set up by its owner.
City Bridge Foundation, which looks after five Thames crossings – including Tower Bridge – at no cost to the taxpayer, appointed Cecilia Knapp as its first poet-in-residence last year.
Now, Cecilia’s first poem celebrating the unsung structure has been published, accompanied by a short film produced by East End-based filmmaker Alexander Nicolaou.
Cecilia Knapp, City Bridge Foundation poet-in-residence, said: “It struck me when thinking about Southwark Bridge that it is sandwiched between much more “famous” bridges and so maybe doesn’t get the love it deserves. Perhaps it’s the bridge’s calming colours, or the sort of modest feeling it has due to its status as a bit of an underdog, but I love the bridge. Chatting to people I realised many others do too. It’s the bridge used more frequently by Londoners going about their lives, rather than tourists, and is the site of many memories and much fondness. Poems have a long tradition of writing to a beloved so I wondered what it would be like if I spoke directly to the bridge in the style of an ode and gave “Southy B” its due praise. I adore the film Alexander has made. It captures so perfectly the connections humans have with the city and its architecture and the serene beauty of this bridge.”
Cecilia’s poem, O Southwark Bridge, celebrates the green and gold-painted structure’s role in quietly doing its job of linking the City and Southwark for 104 years.
It also touches on the bridge’s role as a meeting place for Londoners and explores environmental themes, how ‘the world is a belt buckle tightening… heating like a giant pot’.
To bring the poem to life, the filmmaker worked with actors Polly Waldron and Reice Weathers and used a vintage VHS video camera alongside modern equipment, adding a nostalgic, textured feel.
Filmmaker Alexander Nicolau said: “Upon reading Cecilia’s poem, the distinct charm of Southwark Bridge revealed itself—a quiet connection between north and south London that often goes unnoticed. The film invites viewers to pause and appreciate this hidden landmark by imagining two people meeting on it—a nod to the everyday moments that too often pass by. The filmmaking process marries nostalgia with modern techniques. We used an old DV camcorder to capture raw, candid moments, while separate time-lapse sequences document the bridge’s shifting light and vibrant energy throughout the day. Integrating detailed sound design and weaving music with Cecilia’s spoken word poem in a film format was a fun challenge that added extra depth and emotion. This blend of classic and contemporary elements reflects both the rich history and dynamic present of Southwark Bridge.”
The poem is the first of eight to be published during Cecilia’s residency, with poems and accompanying films to follow on the foundation’s other four bridges – Tower, London, Millennium, and Blackfriars.
The Hackney-based poet will also publish work celebrating the foundation’s role as London’s biggest independent charity funder, awarding over £30 million a year in grants to organisations across the capital.
The residency, delivered in partnership with The Poetry Society – the leading voice for UK poetry – is believed to be the only one of its kind for a bridge owner.
The short film featuring O Southwark Bridge can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/rZ4VTGxXVx8?si=xi3DPm32H9ZHIql9
The full text of the poem, along with more information on the poet-in-residence scheme, is at www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk/poetry
