A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily-disfigured and mistreated young man working as a sideshow freak, who gradually reveals his capacity for kindness, intelligence and sophistication.
St Andrew Wharf, 12, Shad Thames, Butler's Wharf, Bermondsey Village, Bermondsey, London Borough of Southwark, Greater London, England, SE1 2YN, United Kingdom
Tower Bridge, Butler's Wharf, Bermondsey Village, Bermondsey, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Southwark, Greater London, England, SE1 2LY, United Kingdom
St Andrew Wharf, 12, Shad Thames, Butler's Wharf, Bermondsey Village, Bermondsey, London Borough of Southwark, Greater London, England, SE1 2YN, United Kingdom
Westminster Muslim Cultural Centre, 30, Winchester Street, Tachbrook Estate, Pimlico, City of Westminster, Greater London, England, SW1V 4RW, United Kingdom
David Lynch’s haunting, black-and-white portrait of Joseph Merrick unfolds in the fog and grime of Victorian London – and filmed in the real city, from the cobbles of Shad Thames to the great railway sheds of Liverpool Street.
Where was The Elephant Man filmed?
The Elephant Man was filmed in London – Shad Thames, Liverpool Street Station and the old Victorian streets.
Every Elephant Man location, explained
1
Victorian London – Shad Thames
The film’s grimy streets used the warehouse district of Shad Thames and Butler’s Wharf in London.
2
Liverpool Street Station
The railway scenes used the great sheds of Liverpool Street Station.
3
The docks and Tower Bridge
The opening and dockside scenes used the area around Tower Bridge and Clink Street.
4
The London Hospital
The story centres on the real London Hospital in Whitechapel, where Merrick lived.
Planning a visit
London‘s Shad Thames and the area around Tower Bridge – now smart, restored quarters – retain the Victorian bones the film captured in black and white.
The Elephant Man Fun Facts
1
Shot in black and white Lynch filmed in stark monochrome to evoke Victorian London.
2
Based on a true life It dramatises the real life of Joseph Merrick, known as the Elephant Man.
3
The real London Hospital The story centres on the genuine London Hospital in Whitechapel, where Merrick lived.
4
A Lynch breakthrough The film established David Lynch as a major director.
5
Landmark make-up The film’s prosthetics led to the creation of a make-up Oscar category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Elephant Man filmed?
In London – Shad Thames, Liverpool Street Station and the Victorian streets around Tower Bridge.
Is it a true story?
Yes – it dramatises the life of Joseph Merrick.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Shad Thames and the Tower Bridge area are accessible, restored London quarters.
