This event marked the re-installation of a rainbow plaque in Vauxhall commemorating the film and its importance to local LGBTQIA+ history.
The plaque re-installation on Saturday 28 February, the last day of LBGTQ+ History Month 2026, took place at the site of the fictional ‘Powders’ laundrette, a location in the classic film starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Gordon Warnecke will be held to make this last day of.
The screening also coincided with The Ritzy’s 115th birthday which is being marked this weekend.
Directed by Stephen Frears with an original screenplay by Hanif Kureishi, My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) broke major ground in its exploration of race and sexuality in Thatcher-era London. The film’s depiction of, and significance to, British South Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities cannot be overstated.
Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “I’m delighted that this really significant cultural contribution to our borough’s LGBTQ+ history is being re-dedicated and that the moment is being celebrated in such a brilliant way alongside the creatives behind the ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ film.
“It is really fitting that this plaque re-installation and film screening come at the end of Lambeth’s LGBTQ+ History Month series of events where we have taken the opportunity to explore, celebrate and learn about queer history, rights, and achievements in Lambeth.
“Lambeth has long been one of the UK’s most vibrant centres of LGBTQ+ life, activism and culture, and this plaque re-installation and film screening is part of our commitment to both mark and celebrate this legacy, the progress that has been made, and also our continuing push for equity and justice.”
Hanif Kureishi, who received an Academy Award for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ for the film, said: “This plaque is a great honour for us, and we are thrilled and delighted that this movie, made on a low budget forty years ago, is still pertinent.”
Rainbow Plaques is a programme led by London LGBT+ Forums’ Network, which identifies hidden and lost LGBTQIA+ heritage whilst highlighting the importance of intersectional queer visibility in our streets and public spaces.
David Robson, the project lead of the Rainbow Plaques, said: “I’m delighted that we can bring back together the cast, crew and supporters of this important piece of cinematic history on Wilcox Road.
“When the plaque was damaged, we knew we had to replace it and are thankful we have been able to do so with the support of Turnqey and Lambeth Council. It’s also really touching to see how the local community have taken the plaque to their hearts and continue to keep a watchful eye over this cherished work.”
The plaque was originally installed by Wandsworth LGBTQ+ Forum, Lambeth Council and Studio Voltaire in the pavement opposite 11 Wilcox Road, in September 2021, paid for using public donations. Unfortunately, within a year of the installation, the plaque was damaged by rainfall and by work on a development at the site.
The reinstallation was overseen and delivered by the London LGBT Forums Network and Studio Voltaire with support from Lambeth Council, LGBT Hero and Turnqey.
