Each one of us, looking Mary Poppins and listening to its wonderful soundtrack, has dreamed at least once of visiting the London locations that serve as backdrops to the dreamlike events of the famous film.
In this article, I take a look back at the places that inspired the film's various paintings.
Mary Poppins in London: article summary
Mary Poppins in London: 17 Cherry Tree Lane
The first stop any Mary Poppins fan will want to make is undoubtedly the home of Mr. and Mrs. Banks and their beloved children, Jane and Michael, located at 17 Cherry Tree Lane.
In reality, Cherry Tree Lane doesn't exist, and neither does the house that appears in the film. In fact, it was recreated in the studio.
However, from what we can see and hear, the Disney artists were inspired by London's picturesque buildings, abundant in the district of Kensington and Chelsea and Kensington Square.
Take a lovely walk with Mary and Bert in Regent's Park
The scene begins at the entrance to a park, with the charming chimney sweep, played by Dick Van Dyke, busy drawing.
Then the scene magically moves inside one of these images, and there, we're treated to mythical songs like "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". (try saying it fast!).
The inspiration for these splendid scenes, in this case, is to be found in one of London's most famous parks, Regent's Parkone of the eight Royal Parks, located in the Westminster district.
Mary Poppins in London: Admiral Boom's house
If, on the other hand, you're a big fan of the lovable Admiral Boom, you must visit Hampsteadwhere it seems there's a house which, according to some, inspired Travers' novels and which does indeed resemble the one in the film.
This is the Admiral House, a building also considered a historical and architectural heritage site, built in the 18th century by a certain Charles Keys.
The house was used, among other things, as a Masonic lodge in the first half of the 18th century, until in 1775 it became the residence of Lieutenant Fountain North, who renamed it "The Grove".
According to the stories, it was he who added the crow's nest to the roof of the house, from which he liked to fire cannons to celebrate naval victories and royal birthdays, which is said to have inspired Travers' famous character, Admiral Boom.
A day at the Bank of England with Mr Banks
Another iconic building featured in the film, though also recreated, is the imposing Bank of England building, Mr. George Banks' workplace.
The Bank of England was founded in 1694 to raise funds for the Nine Years' War against France, and is the UK's central bank.
Mary Poppins in London: feeding the birds in front of St Paul's Cathedral
Finally, all you have to do is feed the birds. One of the iconic scenes shows Mary Poppins singing as an old lady appears on the steps of a church.
The church in the background is the majestic St. Paul's Cathedralone of London's most iconic and imposing historic buildings and a must-see.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1660 and completed in 1711, it features a Baroque style and its enormous dome, just behind St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, is undoubtedly one of London's most recognizable symbols.
The external stairs in front of the main façade are the same as those where the lady feeds the birds in the film.
And so we come to the end of this little journey through the most emblematic places seen in Mary Poppins. During your stay in London, you'll be able to immerse yourself and take advantage of the magnificent urban backdrops to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the film.
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