Single Mother Squatters 1973
digital file Black & White Sound 1973 10:42
Summary: This black and white observational video from 1973 documents two homeless mothers who have recently moved into a disused block of flats—The Grange—on Maitland Park Road.
Title number: 22986
LSA ID: LSA/30185
Description: Narrated by Sue Hall, the film begins with exterior shots of the building, zooming in on the front door and panning across the block, which has recently been acquired by the local council. The entrance shows visible signs of disrepair, including a broken window.
The interior is dimly lit; the camera captures silhouettes of staircases and walls illuminated only by daylight. Sue guides the viewer into number 6, describing it as a “very pleasant mansion-style block flat,” while recording the kitchen, living room, and views from the back window. The occupants' voices can be heard in the background as she continues documenting.
The video proceeds to flat number 11, where Sue is welcomed by a woman in a striped top with a strong Scottish accent, later identified as Anne. The woman, silhouetted against the light, shows her around the rooms, mentioning that she has been living there for two nights. She notes that the toilets are working, though the flat remains messy. The squatters plan to repair the bathroom themselves.
The film then introduces Anne, a young white woman with short brown hair and a striped top, who is interviewed on camera by Sue. Anne identifies as Scottish and explains that she left her hometown due to the poor conditions and behaviour in her area. Upon arriving in London, she was placed in inadequate B&B accommodation by social security but found she was ineligible for council housing, as she had not been legally evicted from Scotland. She was referred to The Grange by the Women’s Action Centre, a squatters’ support group. Previously, she had worked as a civil servant.
A second woman, interviewed off-camera, declines to be filmed. She is a friend of Anne’s and recently discharged from hospital. She lost her job due to illness and is now a single mother unable to afford housing; her social worker was unable to help her find accommodation.
Sue discusses the condition of the flats with the women, highlighting that while toilets exist, they do not flush. There is no heating or gas, and the flat is affected by damp. The women express a desire for support in bringing the flat to a liveable standard.
Credits: Sue Hall (Filmmaker)
Locations: North London
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