The famous Bill Nicholson Gates – that stood proudly in front of our old White Hart Lane stadium for generations – are now officially back home in Tottenham having been formally re-opened by our Chairman, Daniel Levy, and Bill’s daughter, Jean Bell, today.
The ceremony was attended by the Club’s Board, Bill’s friends and family, representatives of our Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and Supporters’ Trust and a number of Bill’s former players – Steve Perryman, Cliff Jones, Pat Jennings, Martin Chivers, Phil Beal, John Pratt, Terry Naylor and Peter Collins – as well as Club Ambassador, Gary Mabbutt.
The iconic black and gold iron gates have been kept safely in storage since 2015, having been removed ahead of the construction of our new stadium. Working in close consultation with our FAB, the Gates have been reinstated in their new location within PAXTON17, between the Ticket Office and historic buildings at the north of the stadium.
They became synonymous with the great Bill Nic following a famous photograph taken by Peter Robinson during Bill’s time as manager – and it was Peter who returned as official photographer for today’s event.
His iconic original image is emblazoned on a hoarding behind the reinstated Gates, providing a lasting visual of Bill and a fantastic photo opportunity for fans attending our stadium.
On formally re-opening the Gates, Daniel Levy said: “We were honoured to be joined by Bill’s family, friends and former players on what has been a historic occasion.
“Generations of fans, players and staff passed through the Bill Nicholson Gates on the way to White Hart Lane – they are of huge historic and cultural significance and I am extremely proud they have returned home.
“The iconic image of Bill holding the gates open is etched in the minds of so many fans and is now immortalised here in Tottenham.
“We look forward to welcoming fans back to the stadium for the new season and seeing the gates become a photo opportunity and local point of interest for many years to come.
Jean Bell said: “On behalf of Bill’s family, I would like to thank Daniel and the Club for preserving these beautiful, iconic gates and for re-erecting them outside the spectacular new stadium.
“Dad was very proud of Tottenham Hotspur. As well as striving for success on the pitch, he was also determined that the Club should establish a reputation for warm and generous hospitality. I think this sentiment is captured in Peter’s famous photo of Dad at the gates, where he appears to be welcoming everyone to White Hart Lane.
“We are delighted that the position chosen for the gates will give supporters the opportunity to have their own photos taken with them. We hope this will prompt older supporters to recall their memories of the Lane and inspire younger supporters to learn more about the Club’s history and the magnificent part Dad played in it.”
Bill himself first stepped through those gates as a young player in 1936 when he arrived for a trial, going on to be a key player in Arthur Rowe’s trailblazing 1950-51 League title winning side before himself becoming the Club’s most decorated manager, winning eight major trophies, including a League and FA Cup Double in 1961 and our first ever European triumph two years later.
The gates will now form part of our Heritage Tour that offers fans and visitors an in-depth journey through the Club and the area’s storied past, architectural gems and the remarkable individuals who have shaped its legacy.
Meanwhile, Peter Robinson’s iconic, original photograph is currently on display in OOF Gallery – free to enter and accessible via the Spurs Shop at the Tottenham Experience - alongside some of his greatest works, until August 31.
‘Double Vision’ surveys Robinson’s 60-plus year career, documenting world football from the lower leagues to the very highest level. The exhibition splits his work into a series of themed sections, from the psychology of taking a penalty, to players feigning injury and hastily drawn shirt numbers.
A large one-off signed print of the Bill Nicholson Gates photo will be auctioned for charity, with proceeds split between the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Tottenham Tribute Trust (TTT) - a first-of-its-kind independent charity dedicated to serving the needs of former players who find themselves in a situation that compromises their quality of life.
Visit oofgallery.com or follow OOF Gallery on Instagram for more information and news on its upcoming exhibitions at Warmington House.