Cartmell PR Puts King Kong on Blackpool Tower

Photo taken in 1984 by © David Hulme

Brian Cartmell was a prominent public relations professional based in Blackpool. He began his career as a journalist in Lancashire before moving to Canada and later returning to the UK in the early 1960s to join the Daily Mirror. After narrowly missing an opportunity to become a BBC-TV sport anchorman, he transitioned into PR, working in Manchester for 12 years before establishing his own agency in Blackpool. Operating from a modest terraced house in Caunce Street, Cartmell’s PR firm achieved significant success, boasting an annual turnover of £1 million.

King Kong with Laurayne Colclough. The photo was taken in 1984 by © Karl Bartoni.

Cartmell PR put an inflatable King Kong on Blackpool Tower in 1984 to celebrate Blackpool Tower’s 90th anniversary for First Leisure, a company owned by Trevor Hemmings. Brian Cartmell got Karl Bartoni to appear with King Kong for some media attention. Then Karl asked a friend and his former assistant, Laurayne Colclough, to play Fay Wray’s role as the damsel in distress for the press preview. The 85-foot model of King Kong was attached to the side of the Tower and became one of the most memorable publicity stunts in Blackpool’s history. Mounted high above the Promenade, the giant ape appeared to be climbing the Tower in homage to the famous scenes from the King Kong films, creating a dramatic visual spectacle that drew crowds and extensive media coverage. The installation demonstrated Blackpool’s long tradition of using bold publicity events to promote its attractions and remains one of the town’s most iconic promotional displays of the 1980s.

CARTMEL PR

Cartmell PR was known for launching and promoting major products and brands in the UK, including the Cabbage Patch Doll, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Rubik’s Cube, and the Barbie Doll. Another promotional event included a man using a jetpack to fly around Blackpool Tower. His client roster featured notable names such as Coca-Cola, Reebok, Mattel, Corgi, and Thwaites beer. They also helped to promote ‘Eddie the Eagle’, the former British ski-jumping olympic champion. By this time the business had grown and moved into 12-14 Hardman Street.

Cartmell’s influence extended beyond product promotions; he was involved in public relations for high-profile individuals and events. He worked with motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel and was associated with John Broome of Alton Towers fame. His expertise was recognized to the extent that he was once considered, albeit incorrectly reported, as a potential PR adviser to the Queen. However, in the photo below and in the background image, Brian Cartmell can be seen with the Queen at an event in Blackpool Tower. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Cartmell was appointed as an ambassador for Blackpool Football Club, highlighting his commitment to promoting the resort’s name both nationally and internationally.

Cartmell’s career is marked by his practical approach to public relations, emphasizing honesty and strategic planning. He was known for his straightforward demeanor and dedication to his clients, making significant impacts in the PR industry from his base in Blackpool.

Left to right: Brian Cartmell, Lady Rayne, Roy Page, Steve Brailey, John Conlan, Lord Rayne, Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who is more visible in the background image.

This Antiques Roadshow clip shows the same silver tower that the Queen was looking at in the background image.