Lily Savage

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Celebrate the great Paul O’Grady

Lily Savage emerged on the London gay scene during the 1980s, developed as the drag persona of Paul O’Grady (1955-2023)

Today she is remembered for her eight year tenure at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, her activism, and her role as the iconic presenter of The Big Breakfast (1995-1996), Blankety Blank (1997-2002) and Lily Live! (2000-2001).

In January 1987, O’Grady was preparing to perform at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern when a police officer burst into the dressing room. Police raided the venue wearing rubber gloves, causing controversy at a time when the gay community was experiencing significant trauma during the AIDS pandemic. Lily Savage’s infamous line “Oh good, have you come to do the washing up?” is remembered as a bold act of defiance against homophobia.

Celebrate the great Paul O’Grady with this iconic AR wall mural of Lily Savage, projected high onto the pub wall with pride.

How to use the filter

Find the QR code located in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens using the map below
Scan the QR code using the camera function on your smartphone
Ensure your volume is turned up to hear atmospheric sounds, music, and stories
Click ‘Open Instagram Filter’ to launch the AR experience on Instagram
Tag @beinvauxhall if you share your photos on Instagram

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Madame Saqui

Madame Saqui was a famous tightrope walker who performed at Vauxhall Gardens in the 18th century. She was the

Madame Saqui

Imagine the burst of fireworks and bustle of the audience as you watch Madame Saqui perform above you in mesmerising AR.
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Sarah Hengler

Sparkle like Sarah Hengler with her firework headdress selfie filter. Shine bright as the fireworks pop, crack and fizz in the background.
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Mademoiselle Caroline

Choreograph your own dancing horse routine by trying out the different moves and watch your horse prance and dance!
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Isaac Van Amburgh

Don’t forget to strike a pose as you put yourself in Van Amburgh's shoes and relive the American animal trainer’s daring trick!
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Charles Green

Can you guide Green’s balloon through the skies while steering clear of the clouds in this soaring AR game?
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Lily Savage

Celebrate the great Paul O’Grady with this iconic AR wall mural of Lily Savage, remember to keep your volume high!
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William Henry Lane

Try and keep up with William Henry Lane’s footwork, as an animated AR version of the famous tap dancer performs before you!
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C.H. Simpson

Embrace your inner Victorian as C. H. Simpson bows, tips his hat, and ushers you through to the Gardens in AR.
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The Gardens in 3D

Explore the AR 3D model to see how the Gardens were once laid out with intricate avenues and archways, very different from today.
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The Dark Walk

Launch the AR experience to cast your eye over the beautiful architecture revealed, passing high society families and would-be lovers.
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The Orchestra

Launch our AR experience to see the facade of the orchestra sparkle and shine, day and night.
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Balloon Mural

Try and resist joining the historical figures as they dance and fill up the street in an AR ball worth envying!
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