The world-famous George Lazenby lamp post in London restored

By: Anders Frejdh

Published:
2023-10-21

George Lazenby, London, lamp post, James Bond

Thanks to great support in the James Bond fan community lead by FSWL reader Ian Jacklin on X (originally Twitter), the world-famous lamp post in London south of The Thames facing Big Ben, which George Lazenby was first photographed as 007 at, has been restored.

The City of London is full of lamp posts but arguably the most famous one is the post placed south of The Thames facing Big Ben (now called the Elizabeth Tower). Acclaimed British photographer Terry O'Neill got the job to take the first promotional pictures of George Lazenby as the first James Bond following Sean Connery. The photos were taken a few months before the film's Royal premiere at ODEON Leicester Square in London on 19th December 1969.

One of the iconic photos taken of George Lazenby at the lamp post recently appeared in a new official book on the Bond franchise titled James Bond Destinations.

George Lazenby, London lamp post, James Bond Destinations, book

George Lazenby, London lamp post, James Bond Destinations, book

George Lazenby next to the lamp post posing for his first promotional photos in the role of James Bond in 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Photo by Terry O'Neill.

The famous lamp post has been featured on all the covers for Blu-ray’s and DVD’s of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). It is also featured as a part of George Lazenby's logo featured on his official website.

In October 2021, it was reported that the original lamp post had been vandalised looking nothing like its original glory.

George Lazenby, London lamp post, James Bond Destinations, book

The original lamp post after it was vandalised. Photo by Ian Jacklin.

FSWL reader Ian Jacklin decided to do something about the matter and first contacted yours truly, being George Lazenby's manager, in February 2023. And naturally I supported the matter.

Jacklin then contacted the Lambeth Member of Parliament, Florence Eshalomi, to inquire what could be done. Eshalomi advised Ian that due to parliamentary rules, he must contact a local MP because he lived in Felixstowe. Rest assured, Jacklin contacted his local Felixstowe MP, Dr Theres Coffey, and informed her about the situation.

A few weeks later, in March 2023, Ian Jacklin launched a petition on Lambeth Council's website for the restoration of a new lamp post. 155 people quickly signed it.

On Wednesday 3rd May 2023, Jacklin was informed by Lambeth Council that the Petition had been forwarded to the Highways Department, that has responsibility for the area, and that he could expect a response by Friday 19th May 2023, which would have been cleared by the relevant Cabinet Member.

During the summer of 2023, the lamp post was fully restored and is now back as a must-see location for all James Bond fans who visit London.

On behalf of the Bond Fan Community, the entire FSWL team would like to express a special thanks to Ian Jacklin for all his efforts.

Ian Jacklin, London lamp post, restored

Ian Jacklin next to the famous lamp post after it was restored.

Tags:

#george_lazenby

#news

#on_her_majestys_secret_service

#on_the_tracks_of_007

#terry_oneill

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The world-famous George Lazenby lamp post in London restored

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