Historic London landmarks photos show how capital has changed from 1930s to now

Resembled what could be seen in the skies of London in the 1930s, a post-war period.

Aerial photographs taken by photographer Arthur William Hobart reveal the dramatic transformation of London's landscape over the past 90 years.

Other notable points of interest, such as St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge, have undergone little alteration, although modern skyscrapers and new developments have transformed the landscape since Hobart's ascent.

This collection consists of 242 black and white aerial photographs displaying various established national landmarks, towns, industrial facilities, development projects and seaside tourist hotspots in 1930s inter-war England.

This collection has been published by Historic England on a Thursday, and it is part of a larger, largely unexplored collection of Hobart's aerial photography, believed to comprise approximately 10,000 images.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: "Reliving these photographs allows you to soar above 1930s England, witnessing the country's evolution during the interwar period."

We can see many famous landmarks and places we've not seen before from the new view offered by aerial photography.

We are the custodians of the biggest collection of aerial photographs in the nation and we hope releasing this archive will spark people's interest in exploring their local history on our Aerial Photography Explorer website.

Arthur William Hobart was a pioneering commercial aerial photographer, born in London in 1882, who began his career approximately 40 years later, around 1920.

In the 1930s, flying photography was a rapidly developing area of activity that came to prominence in the aftermath of the First World War.

This approach to capturing developments and trends of the time offers a captivating and insightful look at a nation in transition. The collection highlights how businesses adapted to the changing needs and interests of society during this inter-war period.

To date, no official records can be located for Hobart, although many early commercial photographers did have documented involvement with aerial work during the First World War, and before this, he was employed as a skilled baker, travelled extensively in a commercial capacity, and held a position as a clerk for a draper.

Hobart's largest market was for photographs that were then used to produce postcards. However, municipal authorities and local newspaper press were also major clients. The photographs were likely commissioned specifically for each client, as well as being taken on speculation.

Targeted for their point of differentiation in providing views that people have never seen before, Hobart also appears to be capitalising on the rising demand from other sectors such as the construction industry and industrials for aerial photographs.

.

.

Share :