Rights Managed > Historic England > Historic Images > 1960 to the present day
Alligator in a bar, Zanzibar, 30 Great Queen Street DD001716
Filename: dd001716.jpg
Size: 5234 x 4215 (7.8MB)
Date: 17th September 2019
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Images
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Alligator in a bar, Zanzibar, 30 Great Queen Street DD001716
Get me a drink and make it snappy! Tenth Anniversary Alligator seated at the bar drinking a cocktail, Zanzibar, 30 Great Queen Street, London. Photographed by Paul Barkshire, 26th June 1986
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 19287342
© Historic England Archive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a truly extraordinary moment in time - an alligator casually perched on a barstool, sipping on a cocktail at the renowned Zanzibar bar. Located on 30 Great Queen Street in London, this peculiar scene is both whimsical and intriguing. Taken by photographer Paul Barkshire on the 26th of June, 1986, this image showcases his keen eye for capturing the unexpected. The tenth anniversary celebration seems to have taken an unusual turn as this reptilian guest demands attention with its presence. With its toothy grin and mischievous eyes, it appears to be relishing every sip of its drink while commanding those around it to "get me a drink and make it snappy!". The juxtaposition between the exotic creature and the everyday setting creates an air of surrealism that is hard to ignore. As we delve into this photograph's narrative, one cannot help but wonder how such an unconventional event came about. Was it simply a publicity stunt or perhaps someone's eccentric pet? Regardless of its origins, this image serves as a reminder that life often surprises us when we least expect it. Paul Barkshire has masterfully captured not only the spectacle itself but also our collective fascination with oddities. Through his lens, he invites us to ponder upon moments like these that challenge our perceptions and ignite our imagination.
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