Subbuteo returns to Tunbridge Wells
With the 2024 Subbuteo World Cup being held in Tunbridge Wells, the Amelia Scott centre took the opportunity to host an exhibition to tell the fascinating story of Subbuteo, from its humble beginnings in Tunbridge Wells to its rise as an international phenomenon
The Oh! Oh! Oh! Subbuteo! exhibition captured the essence of this beloved tabletop football game, showcasing its evolution, cultural impact, and the enduring passion it inspires in fans worldwide.
Visitors were invited to explore a rich collection of memorabilia, rare editions, and interactive displays that brought the excitement of Subbuteo to life.
A request for exhibits
The good folk at the Amelia Scott centre got in touch with Friends of Old Subbuteo to see if we could provide exhibits - ones that showed the cultural impact of Subbuteo in addition to Subbuteo related products. After some chatting, it was agreed to lend some of the artwork, along with the Old Subbuteo Town pitch, and the Cheering Corner piece of terracing from the Stadium of Fingers.
Also, Ed Liddle, the Exhibition Officer from the Amelia came along to Southend, with Mark from Modeus Films, to do a shoot of an informal event, with some interviews with those taking part.
The Mini Amelia Scott!
After the event ended, the Friends of Old Subbuteo received an official complaint from some of the 00-scale Subbuteo figures, who weren't given the opportunity to visit the exhibition. To make amends, a mini-museum was created for them to peruse the exhibits. This included bonus images of Keith Buckwell signing the roof of a green & tan grandstand, and of Ed and Mark, who helped to make the exhibition what it was!
Christmas TIME!
So when Christmas approaches, and there's a Subbuteo exhibition going on at the Amelia Scott centre, the idea hatches to bring along the Christmas pitch and No Man’s Land pitch, as an interactive display.
A few exchanges later and everything is arranged. We turn up on the Saturday morning, put the pitches up and wait…
…and not for long, as they attract quite a bit of attention from the visitors. Some had clearly decided to visit the centre, and some were seeking respite from the wind and rain! Loads of folks reminisced about their youth, and the small children found the magic snow on the Christmas pitch too tempting to ignore. After reassuring nervous parents that it was ok for their children to play on the pitches, the snow (which started as a perfectly prepared football pitch, with lines cleared of snow), was less perfect in seconds!
The No-Man’s land pitch attached interest as well, with some parents calling their children to come and listen to the 1914 story, where supposed enemies recognised a kindred friendship on Christmas day, exchanged presents and played football together.
One lady mentioned her mother used to stick the figures in the bases, and that she had helped with this! She said the glue was still in the attic (Durafix, apparently). Needless to say, we’ll be passing her contact details to the Amelia team, who no doubt will be exploring some of the what, who, when etc!
Some of the youngsters played with the figures and, with their own impromptu rules, played Subbuteo! They could just reach over the sides, and some of the model trees were felled by overcoat sleeves. Also, some of the figure broke. One charming young girl’s commentary explained they needed to go to hospital, which was apparently in one of the corners of the pitch. The ward was fairly full by the end of the day! In fact the No man’s Land pitch looked like a war zone after a dozen or so 6-year-olds had finished with it! 😲😂
The highlight of the Subbuteo action was an unexpected cameo appearance by Sarah Buckwell, daughter of the designer of the iconic Green and Tan Subbuteo Stadium, Keith Buckwell. They had popped by to check out the pitches and after a really informative chat over coffee (see this page for how that chat went).
The conversation with Sarah went something like this...
Steve: “OK Sarah, when was the last time you flicked a Subbuteo player?
Sarah: “Like, never?!”
Steve: “Not too late to start” (puts sponge ball on penalty spot, in the magic snow)
Keith: “Wait a minute – let me set up the video!” (Sarah gets into flicking position…)
Steve: “OK – you ready?”
Sarah: *Bosh!- ‘ave it!*
Steve: 😲
Sarah: 😎🤣
Check out the slow-mo action replay, and let in sink in… Here’s a woman who has never flicked a Subbuteo figure in her life, using one of the new Subbuteo Lionesses, on magic snow, with a sponge ball, not just slotting, but smacking the ball into the bottom left. Leaving the goalie (who is fresh from winning a Subbuteo World Cup event in Tunbridge Wells) totally befuddled!. Also, notice it might be a middle finger flicking! If we reference the legendary Peter Upton, he says on his website, explaining the updated 1950 rulebook:“The text is altered to allow for use of the middle finger in flicking (does anyone do this?)”. Peter, I think you will find the answer is “Possibly!”
Overall, a great day, with over 100 folks popping by for a look, a chat, and a play!
The Friends of Old Subbuteo have committed to bringing more themed pitches to The Amelia. Long may the fun continue!