Theresa Rendle pays tribute to David Piggott, 85, a talented film auteur and documentarian of Chingford
15th October 2025. Credit: Gary Stone
David Piggott, a pioneering figure in British amateur filmmaking and a beloved chronicler of Chingford’s local life, died peacefully at Whipps Cross Hospital from pneumonia on 15th October, following complications from his recent Covid recovery.
A frontman of The Chingford Newsreel, an archive of films documenting Chingford over the years, Piggott’s death, aged 85, comes just one year before the 75th anniversary of E4’s Acorn Films, of which he was a longstanding member.
David has described his work on The Chingford Newsreel as “a labour of love”.
Tim Emblem-English, who now works as an archive telecine specialist, was a member of Acorn Films since 1980 and worked closely with David in various roles, from camera operator to editing and post production, alongside his career with the BBC.
He said: “David introduced me to the worlds of amateur film-making and subsequently film collecting, both of which chimed with my career as an engineer/operator in post production at the BBC and led to me becoming the department’s specialist in amateur and archive telecine work. In large part I owe my career to David’s knowledge and enthusiasm. A dear friend, much missed.”
Since 1958, David Piggott, had been the driving force behind The Chingford Newsreel, capturing the everyday stories, civic milestones, and quiet revolutions of East London life. The Newsreel preserved decades of local history, from local fêtes and festivals, to changes on the high street and royal visits.
Audiences flocked to watch annual screenings at The Parish Hall on The Ridgeway in 1958, then packed out the newly built Chingford Assembly Hall from 1960 until the final screening of the Newsreel in 2006.
David offered a uniquely human perspective on the changing face of this suburban London town. His work has undoubtedly inspired generations of amateur filmmakers and community historians.
David, a life-long Chingford resident, also had a successful City career at Lloyds of London, working in various roles, including event management.
David is survived by his wife Joan and his brother Michael. The Piggott family invites all who knew David – or were touched by his work – to celebrate a life lived through a lens of compassion, curiosity, and community.
His funeral will be held at The Chingford Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul on Tuesday 25th November at 12.30pm.
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