07/12/2025
River Thames is about 210 miles long. About 60 miles to teddington lock, west of central London, is tidal. the way the river flows has formed a number of islands, some of which are habitable. One such island in Twickenham is Eel Pie Island. 9 acres in area with about 50 homes and a population of about 120 among which are a number of artists working in their studios. There are a few boatyards too.
A hotel was built in the early 19th century and a ball room erected next to hotel in the early 20th century. From mid 1950s, the ballroom became a venue for live music. When jazz became popular, major British artists performed here including Acker Bilk, George Melly and Ken Colyer. As Rhythm and Blues overtook jazz in popularity, artists including the yardbirds, John Mayall’s bluesbreakers and long John Baldry’s Hoochie Coochie men all performed here. Among U.S. blues legends appearing were John Lee ho**er, Howlin Wolf and buddy guy.
the Rolling Stones, who by early 1963 had a bit of a die-hard following at the nearby Crawdaddy club, secured a 5 month residency at Eel Pie Island in mid ‘63. David Bowie, supertramp, Eric Clapton, rod steward, ronnie wood, Alex Harvey, pink Floyd and genesis also gigged here. Quintessence were the last band in 1970 by which time the hotel had become a bit of a hippy commune until it burned down in suspicious circumstances.
In 2018 a small museum opened in Twickenham mostly dedicated to the music venue but also a bit more information about the island community in general. Twice a year, the artists studios are opened. If you’d like to visit, be aware of the tide!!
https://www.eelpiemuseum.co.uk
https://www.eelpieislandartists.co.uk
