Thousands gather at Hilly Fields, Brockley to recreate First World War photo

On August 4 1918, men, women and children gathered at Hilly Fields after a procession from Deptford Town Hall commemorating the start of the war.

Yesterday (July 19), revellers flocked to the hillside to be part of the modern day snap, organised by the Brockley Society.

Taken by photographer Simon Terrill, the contemporary portrait is part of a bigger history project to look at who Brockley’s people are today and how the area has changed over the last century.

The Brockley Society invited anyone who lived or felt a connection to the area to be part of the photo.

Actor Muzz Khan (@muzzkhan) captured this shot of families and friends gathered on the hillside, giving a taste of what the official photo will look like.

Photo: Muzz Khan 

He said on Twitter: "This is NEARLY everyone. (But you get the idea). @Broc_Soc did #Brockley proud. History was made."

Smaller groups of participants posed for selfies and shared them on social media using the hashtag #brockleymassphoto after gathering for the main photo opportunity at 3pm.

Twitter user Luke Maggs (@lukemaggs) said: “Lovely day for #brockleymassphoto yesterday.”

Photo: Brockley Society

Another, Caro Swan (@CaroSwannie) wrote: “Fantastic turnout and stunning sky for @Broc_Soc #BrockleyMassPhoto today. #LoveLondon.”

Otto English said: “So we went out and posed for a group pic. All 6000 of us. Who says London doesn’t have any community. #BrockleyMassPhoto.”

A close-up of the original photograph taken on August 4, 1918 (Photo: Brockley Society)

Participants were invited to make use of photo-booths at the park to make their own smaller portraits and to bring a picnic to enjoy.

The original photo from the Brockley Society archives (Photo: Brockley Society)

Large and small prints of the limited edition photo will be available to buy on the Brockley Society’s website.

For more information, visit brockleysociety.org.uk/thenandnow or email chair@brockleysociety.org.uk.