Few people are aware that Alexandra Palace was used as a prison of war camp during the First World War. Although the 3,000 men who were interned there were of German nationality, many of them had lived and worked in England for many years and had English wives and children.
Further research from Maggie Butt uncovered letters from these men, as well as photographs of life in the camp and a number of fine paintings by the artist, George Kenner, who was one of the prisoners. Maggie has brought this material together in a book and with a series of her poems based on the Ally Pally Prison Camp, has produced a fascinating and moving record of a piece of little-known history.

The book will be launched at Ally Pally on Saturday September 17th as part of Open House Weekend with illustrated multi-voiced readings at 12 middday and 2:00pm in the foyer of the BBC Theatre at Ally Pally

The Ally Pally Prison camp exhibition is a published collection of letters and memoires from the men interned at Ally Pally during the First World War.

The launch coincides with the annual Open House on 17 September 10am to 4pm and will take place in the Alexandra Palace Theatre Foyer.

Maggie Butt’s research has uncovered letters and memoirs, together with photographs and fine paintings by the artist, George Kenner, who was one of the prisoners.

Signed copies of the book are available in advance at the special rate of £8 inc P&P from Maggie Butt 115 High Street, London N14 6BP