Photos of Blackfriars in London

posted in Around London on 9th Apr 2019 updated 10th Apr 2019 by Mr Smith

Blackfriars is a fascinating part of London. It is part of the City of London and is steeped in history.

Named after the “Black Friars” (Dominican Monks who wore black mantles) in the thirteenth century, Blackfriars is bounded by Fleet Street in the north and the River Thames in the south, Temple Avenue in the west and Queenshithe in the east.

The main features of this part of town are the historic buildings, the beautiful river front and the bridges over the River Thames.

Blackfriars Bridge is as traditional as it gets. Blackfriars Railway Bridge was reconstructed over a few years, reopening relatively recently.

But the unique structure at Blackfriars is the Bridge that never was. The pillars featured in the images below show the footings for the bridge which was never built.

Photos of Blackfriars

All images were shot of, or from Blackfriars over a five year period and are part of our London collection.

Black and white photograph of st Pauls Cathedral and Blackfriars Bridge

Long Exposure

The first is a long exposure shot of Blackfriars Bridge and St Pauls Cathedral. The ethereal nature of long exposure shots creates a wonderful mood. (What is a long exposure image? – see *below.)This has been supplied to several offices, show homes and communal parts of residential buildings.

The Classic View

This image of the City of London skyline was captured on a wonderful winter’s day. The clouds set off the skyline beautifully. This print is often selected for leaving gifts as it features a classic London view.

Black and white photograph of the London skyline at Blackfriars

Black and white photograph of Blackfriars Bridge

All the Bridges

The next image features the three bridges of Blackfriars including the one that never was!

Unilever House

Below is a night shot of the Unilever Building and Blackfriars Bridge. This was shot before building work involving monstrous cranes scarred the view.

Black and white photograph of Blackfriars Unfinished Bridge

Blackfriars Railway Bridge

Lastly, another long exposure image (see *below). This one features Blackfriars Railway Bridge which was refurbished between 2010 and 2014. At the time of its reopening it was the world’s largest solar panelled bridge. I like the structure of the bridge very much and the effect of long exposure has been to even out the sky and water.