Crosswalk Becomes a Protected Heritage Site
The famous crosswalk in front of Abbey Road Studios in London has now been officially etched into history by becoming a protected heritage site, the first of its kind ever in England. The crossing was made famous by the Liverpool four when they had a photo-shoot there for the cover of their album “Abbey Road” in 1969, and has since become a favorite photographic replica and inspiration to all visitors of this part of London. The crosswalk is listed as the highest category “Grade II”, the category reserved for building and monuments recognized by the British Ministry of Tourism and Heritage to be of special national importance. However, the Studio itself was listed Grade II this year in February this year, primarily due to manipulation regarding its final closure.
John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, said “This London zebra is no castle or cathedral, but thanks to the Beatles and their ten minute photo-shoot one August morning 1969, it has became a powerful symbol of our culture and an equal part of our heritage.“
The legendary Beatles photo was shot by the photographer Iain Macmillan in ten minutes, just as long as the traffic could be stopped. In the photo the four is crossing the street with Lennon at the helm, followed by Starr, McCartney and Harrison. Only McCartney is barefoot and marching in the opposite rhythm with the other three. It is interesting that there was an American tourist in the background, who was not aware that he will be recorded forever in the photo, until the album was released several months later.
The Beatles’ songs could only be found on iTunes since this year, so it can be said that this was a successful year for the most popular band of all times, as Sir Paul McCartney pointed out himself, saying that the listing is just the “icing on the cake “. We can only conclude that by this act the Beatles themselves have actually become a part of cultural heritage, but also wonder whether crossing the crosswalk will soon start to be charged?
