Dover Street Squats 1974
Dover Street Squats 1974
A 1974 black and white video documenting the occupation of luxury flats on Dover Street, London, with narration by John “Hoppy” Hopkins and interviews conducted by Sue Hall. The footage captures squatters’ perspectives on housing shortages, eviction, and the political potential of squatting.
The film opens with remarks about the building being left empty for several months before showing people entering and exploring the white-walled flats. Several squatters, mostly white men, are interviewed, including one bearded man who explains that around 30–40 people are housed in the building, with the hope of settling families in each flat. He criticises the abundance of empty properties in contrast to London’s homelessness crisis. Further interviews discuss the threat of eviction, legal battles, and demonstrations. The film is darkly lit, with shaky and sometimes blurry camerawork. Hopkins remarks on the building’s quality and security, suggesting it could become a focal point for political squatting..