Poet dedicates first work of residency to ‘beloved’ but ‘forgotten’ Southwark Bridge

A poet has dedicated her first published work as part of a unique residency to the “forgotten” Southwark Bridge.

City Bridge Foundation, which looks after five Thames crossings – including Tower Bridge – appointed Cecilia Knapp as its first poet-in-residence last year.

Now her first poem, O Southwark Bridge, celebrating the unsung structure, has been published.

Ms Knapp 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.”

O Southwark Bridge celebrates the green and gold-painted structure’s role in 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.

The Hackney-based poet said: “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.”

The poem is accompanied by a short film produced by East End-based filmmaker Alexander Nicolaou.

Ms Knapp said: “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.”

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.

 Mr 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 poem is the first of eight to be published during Ms Knapp’s residency, with poems and accompanying films to follow on the foundation’s other four bridges – Tower, London, Millennium, and Blackfriars.

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

Pictured top: Cecilia Knapp, City Bridge Foundation poet-in-residence by Southwark Bridge (Picture: City Bridge Foundation)