A fundraising campaign has been launched to install a commemorative blue plaque at the Peckham property used as the exterior of the barber shop in the landmark Channel 4 sitcom Desmond’s.
Supporters hope the plaque at Bellenden Road will celebrate the programme’s cultural impact and its lasting connection with Peckham.
The campaign was initiated by Desmond’s fan Aaron Shabir, from Birmingham, who approached the Nubian Jak Community Trust after growing up watching the series with his father.
Shabir submitted a formal nomination which was subsequently approved by the trust’s plaque panel.
Dr Jack Bulas, chief executive of the Nubian Jak Community Trust, said: “Most of this was done by the inquisitiveness and fervour of a young guy from Birmingham by the name of Aaron Shabir.
“He used to watch Desmond’s with his dad and actually just fell in love with the series.”
Celebrating a British television institution
Created and written by Trix Worrell, Desmond’s ran on Channel 4 from 1989 until 1994 and centred on a Peckham barber shop run by Desmond Ambrose, played by the late Norman Beaton.
The programme became known for its portrayal of Black British family life, community and Caribbean culture.
Dr Bulas said the range of people backing the campaign demonstrated the sitcom’s enduring appeal.
“It just shows you how diverse Desmond’s reach was, demographically and socially,” he said.
Explaining the significance of the project, he added: “We’re honouring a British institution.”
Organisers hope to unveil the plaque on October 31, Norman Beaton’s birthday and the final day of Black History Month.
Lasting reminder of Desmond’s connection to Peckham
The plaque would be installed by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, which commemorates people and events connected with Britain’s diverse history through plaques, statues and educational projects.
If successful, the Desmond’s tribute would become the trust’s 125th commemorative plaque.
Dr Bulas said the unveiling was expected to be a major celebration, adding: “It’s going to be such a blast when we do it. It’s going to be brilliant, lots of people, very diverse. It’s going to be celebratory.”
The trust hopes the plaque will ensure the building’s connection with Desmond’s is remembered by future generations.
Dr Bulas added: “We highlight the wonderful, rich, diverse history of Britain.”
