Forum Topic

Brentford Is Brilliant

I only recently moved to Brentford, and I'm amazed at the slogan that has been chosen for Brentford.  In particular, when the signage is hanging over derelict buildings - the irony is too funny to believe.  If the slogan was "West London Heritage" or "Historic Riverside Brentford" or "Gateway to the West" I could sort of get it.But Brentford is Brilliant - who on earth chose that?  And is it staying for good?

Matthew Taylor ● 4340d16 Comments

This futuristic picture appears in cyberspace. I just follwed a link from the TW8 front page to Kath the Editor's Photobucket album.

Jim Lawes ● 4335d

..looks great in this picture found in cyberspace.There's more to Brentford..than just looking at the High Street.

Jim Lawes ● 4335d

Found this online: "Buggy": Slang. crazy; insane; peculiar.I like that. It speaks to the inconsistency of planning approvals for local developments. It reflects the quirkiness of the existing architecture locally. It is in keeping with the quiet desparation of the now-fraying strands of wool around the market place. It works with who the post-industrial landscape contrast with the high technology companies in the vincinity. (I really could write such Review Show guff all day long.) It's street. It's now and happening. It's youthful yet cynical. (See?) "Brentford is Well Buggy" has my vote. Lets get it in neon and hanging over the high street before the nights draw in.

Alan Clark ● 4336d

Actually I think 'Brentford is Brilliant' is... brilliant.It qualifies under the so bad it's good category.Look at it this way: for how many other parts of London can you remember the slogan?Balham, Gateway To The South, doesn't count.I admit that Brentford is Well Buggy might be even better.

Guy Lambert ● 4336d

Hello Alan again,Having just read your post on the proposed new (yet again) development where you said..."My problem is with the public toilet sat in the middle of this imaginative space. What were the urban planners thinking? It just totally destroys the sight lines and the a-symmetry of the existing layout. Unless of course it was placed there in an ironic way - in which case it so works as a statement."Might I suggest, Brentford is a Shithouse?

Ian Silver ● 4337d

Beautifully explained Alan and completely accurate. Thank you

Ian Silver ● 4337d

No idea, I googled it but no real answers. It does kind of work though I think!

Steve Bullman ● 4339d

Steve - I am not down with the kids in the lingo terminology.......what does buggy mean???Lol

Matthew Taylor ● 4340d

Sod it!here's the linkhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/66086984@N08/9838356014/

Steve Bullman ● 4340d

Trying again.

Steve Bullman ● 4340d

Rats!Trying to upload photo from flickr, fail!

Steve Bullman ● 4340d

I think they got the "Brilliant" idea from Prestwick Airport who placed the slogan "Pure Dead Brilliant" throughout the passenger terminal. Since then, passenger numbers have slumped and the owners have put the airport up for sale to whoever will take it off their hands. Hopefully, things will not get as bad in Brentford!

John Connelly ● 4340d

Not sure if this will work, graffiti near Brewery Tap

Steve Bullman ● 4340d

I think the banners should read: "Brentford is OK in parts".Or "Brentford is blighted (as you can see from the building this banner is fixed to)"Finally... "Brentford is Barking" just to confuse people.

Jo Francis ● 4340d

Beer Burp Biryani Burp actually is brilliant Alan.Thanks for clearing it up.

Matthew Taylor ● 4340d

As a recent new resident to TW8 you will not be aware of the difficult decision faced in deciding on the exact wording of the Brentford slogan. Three options were front runners:"Brentford is ok" (this was felt the most realistic but lacked the assonance to make it catchy)"Brentford needs a fair bit of TLC but could brush up nicely if we make an effort" (this was highly praised for its aspirational and forward looking qualities but did not fit onto the planned banners)"Brentford is in Middlesex" (the factuality of this one was recognised but on the other hand it lacked ambition)So with this impass, the decision making committee headed off for 10 pints and biryani. The Brentford is Brilliant is thought to have stemmed from that late evening imagineering workshop in the curry house. (Although to this day there is speculation that the chair of committee actually finished the event by saying "beer burp biryani burp" as he lay face down in his curry and this was mis-recorded as brentford is brilliant.)Now I missed the previous round of discussions as to why anyone thought any slogan was needed at all, ever. I wonder if the longer term residents could shed light on why it was felt Brentford needed a slogan?

Alan Clark ● 4340d