[AM1010101]

I live in one of the colourful houses in Clifton wood. We have a local WhatsApp group and one of the residents posted this a few months back: “A couple of people claim they were the first to paint Cliftonwood houses a bright colour in the 70’s, one being our ex-mayor George Ferguson. But the wonderful late Joan from Cliftonwood Cres told me that was ‘codswallop’. Also when we moved in here fifteen years ago, we were told there were five colours allowed for the houses and that was that .” Others then disputed it and said there was never a 5 colour rule and quoted Annie Scott (who was an architect) started the trend.

I’ve also heard it said that this area was popular popular with artists and the rebellious types back in the day vs the more posh types in Clifton on top of the hill. There are some photos of the harbour from back when it was a working harbour, before the houses were painted, and it looks far less appealing (https://www.instagram.com/p/CyMNzAXIOY-/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFl...). If you do end up on Instagram search for Bristol harbour to see what it’s like now.

[buster3000]

> A couple of people claim they were the first to paint Cliftonwood houses a bright colour in the 70’s, one being our ex-mayor George Ferguson

Classic behaviour by old red-trousers.

[shellac]

> the more posh types in Clifton on top of the hill

In the 70s Clifton wasn't really posh either. Like many cities at the time the affluent had moved out to the suburbs (e.g. across the Downs or Gorge). Difficult to believe now, of course.