London's Lost Views

London: forever changing

Lost views of London. Some have disappeared for a while; others have gone forever. The relentless pace of construction in the capital yields an ever changing skyline. Take a look at the scenes below with accompanying commentaries and find out why each view has been consigned to history

Battersea Power Station

Two images of Battersea Power Station created a decade ago. The first features lighting which was only visible for a few days and the second a clear view with a near perfect reflection. The Nine Elms redevelopment, London's most extensive construction programme in the late 2010's, affected the whole area. Now a construction site and in future these uncluttered views will be no more.

Houses of Parliament

Another major refurbishment has left much of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben under scaffolding for years. One of London's most famous buildings will not be free of construction for some time to come.

The Lights of 2012

Rolling back the years to London's Olympic summer of 2012. The Golden Jubilee Bridges and London Eye were beautifully lit in an array of colours. Together with the accompanying laser light show the display formed part of part of Project Dazzle. A wonderful era when London was dressed for one of its greatest international events in colours not seen since.

Vauxhall Bridge

Vauxhall Bridge, St Georges Wharf and Tower in the midst of a dramatic storm. Another view that has fallen victim to construction work. Cranes, and Tunnel boring equipment for the Thames Tideway ("Super Sewer") project surround was was once an clear vista. Never to be seen again like this.

Albert Bridge

The Albert Bridge at dawn, almost a decade ago. The Bridge is still very much in situ but its backdrop is now different. Today the construction works and new buildings create a very different appearance.

Tower Bridge and City Skyline

An ever changing vista. For the past few years the Shard on the left has been blocked by Thames Tideway construction work. Buildings have changed too. Here you can see from left to right the Shard, Tower Bridge, the "Walkie Talkie" Building, the "Cheesgrater", the "Gherkin" and Heron Tower. The cranes on the top of the buildings have now disappeared and two new skyscrapers - 22 Bishopsgate and the "Scalpel" - have been constructed..

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf in 2012 when no construction work was visible. Since then the location has been in the midst of major building work. New skyscrapers have appeared, with more underway, consigning these views to the history books.

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern art gallery and Millennium Bridge before the gallery extension and skyscrapers of Southwark appeared.

Historic images of London

We have been creating images of London since the turn of the century. Need historic images of a landmark or skyline? Or scenes impossible to photograph today? We may have just the image you need so please get in touch.