This remarkable genuine colour photograph from March 1960 captures the imposing Art Deco headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation at Broadcasting House, Langham Place, London. The building’s distinctive curved Portland stone façade, prominent clock tower and elegant architectural detailing provide a wonderful example of British design during the early years of radio broadcasting. In the foreground, a collection of classic British motor cars, including Morris Minor saloons and a small delivery van, adds further period atmosphere to this fascinating London street scene.
Broadcasting House was designed by architect George Val Myer, with important contributions from Raymond McGrath and other leading designers of the period. Construction began in 1928, and the building officially opened in 1932, replacing the BBC’s earlier headquarters at Savoy Hill. Its striking modern appearance was considered highly innovative, with the curved façade and tiered upper floors frequently compared to the streamlined shape of an ocean liner. The exterior was faced in Portland stone, giving the building its distinctive pale appearance, while the decorative ironwork, recessed windows and balconies reflected the fashionable Art Deco style of the early 1930s.
The building was one of the world’s first major purpose-built broadcasting headquarters, designed to accommodate both the BBC’s administrative offices and an extensive complex of radio studios. Its unusual construction placed the soundproofed studios within a central core, surrounded by offices that helped insulate them from the noise of London’s busy streets. The original building contained 22 studios, incorporating sophisticated acoustic treatment and ventilation systems that represented some of the most advanced broadcasting technology of the period.
One of the most distinctive features visible in this photograph is the sculpture above the main entrance, depicting Prospero and Ariel, characters from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Created by sculptor Eric Gill, the work symbolised broadcasting through the figure of Ariel, the invisible spirit sent out into the world by Prospero. Above the sculpture is the building’s prominent clock, while the tall latticework aerial masts rising from the roof provide another reminder of its original broadcasting function. The combination of artistic symbolism and modern technology made Broadcasting House one of London’s most unusual architectural landmarks.
By 1960, Broadcasting House had become one of the most familiar institutions in British life. From its studios came news bulletins, drama, music, comedy and entertainment programmes heard by millions of listeners across Britain and overseas. Although television had become increasingly popular during the 1950s, radio remained enormously important, with services including the Home Service, Light Programme and Third Programme broadcasting a wide variety of programmes. The familiar words “This is London” introduced BBC broadcasts heard around the world, reinforcing the building’s international significance.
The photograph also provides a delightful record of everyday motoring in London at the beginning of the 1960s. Several traditional British saloon cars are parked outside, while pedestrians in suits, overcoats and bowler hats pass along the pavement. The contrast between the elegant 1930s building and the vehicles of the post-war period captures a moment when Broadcasting House was already an established London landmark, yet still retained much of its original appearance.
Broadcasting House survives today and remains the BBC’s headquarters, although it has undergone extensive refurbishment and expansion. A major redevelopment during the early twenty-first century added substantial new broadcasting facilities while retaining and restoring the historic original building. Now Grade II* listed, Broadcasting House remains one of Britain’s most important examples of Art Deco architecture and an enduring symbol of the country’s broadcasting heritage.
Reproduced from a genuine vintage colour photograph in the Places Remembered archive, this nostalgic London wall art is ideal for anyone interested in BBC history, Broadcasting House, vintage radio, Art Deco architecture, classic British cars or London in the 1960s. A distinctive historical photograph preserving the appearance of one of the capital’s most recognisable broadcasting landmarks.
Genuine Vintage Colour Photography, Carefully Restored
Every Places Remembered print begins with a genuine vintage colour slide or negative from our private photographic archive. These are real photographs of real places, captured decades ago on colour film. We do not artificially colourise black-and-white photographs. The colours were present in the original images, rather than invented afterwards.
To bring these historic photographs back to life, we use modern digital restoration techniques, including AI-assisted enhancement, to improve sharpness, colour, brightness and clarity, and reduce dust, scratches and other age-related imperfections.
Our aim is restoration, not reinvention. We do not deliberately add or remove people, buildings, vehicles or other features, or dramatically alter scenes simply to make them more appealing. We may brighten a dull sky, enhance faded colours or improve clarity, but we strive to preserve the original photograph's historical character rather than create an idealised version of the past. AI-assisted enhancement can occasionally affect small details, even when that is not intended.
History is important to us. We're not trying to change it, but to preserve it through careful restoration. Our prints reproduce genuine historical colour photographs, not AI-generated recreations.
Whether you choose a photographic poster, a ready-to-hang canvas or a wood-framed print, the same authentic vintage photograph is at the heart of every option.
Three Ways to Enjoy Your Favourite Photograph
Our vintage photographs are available in three different print formats, allowing you to choose the presentation, finish and price that best suits your home.
Premium Matte Photographic Posters
Our photographic posters offer an affordable way to enjoy genuine vintage photography without compromising on print quality. Each photograph is reproduced on premium heavyweight 200 gsm (80 lb) white matte paper, giving it a substantial, high-quality feel.
The smooth, uncoated paper has a luxuriously soft finish and a non-reflective surface, helping to reproduce the rich colors and fine details of the original photograph without distracting reflections. At approximately 0.26 mm thick, it is considerably more substantial than ordinary lightweight poster paper.
Posters are supplied unframed and are sent rolled in a tube, making them an excellent choice if you already own a suitable frame or prefer to select your own framing style. They are also ideal for gifts, gallery walls and collections of several photographs.
Printed on FSC-certified or equivalent sustainably sourced paper.
Premium Ready-to-Hang Canvas Prints
Our premium canvas prints offer a more traditional wall-art presentation, with a subtly textured surface that adds depth and character to each vintage photograph. Printed on a durable 300–350 gsm cotton-polyester blend canvas, they reproduce the rich colors and fine details of the original image while providing the distinctive look and feel of canvas artwork.
The canvas has a beautiful matte, low-reflection finish that looks attractive under a wide range of lighting conditions. Unlike traditional framed prints, there is no glass or plexiglass covering the image, so you can enjoy the photograph without distracting reflections from windows or overhead lighting.
Each print is carefully stretched over a slim 2 cm (approximately 3/4-inch) wooden frame, made using responsibly sourced FSC-certified wood. The slim profile creates a clean, understated appearance that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors.
The photograph is softly mirrored around the edges, allowing the image to continue naturally around the sides without cropping important details from the front. Each canvas also includes a fitted sawtooth hanging bracket, so it can be displayed straight from the box.
Premium Wood-Framed Photographic Prints
For a beautifully finished presentation, our framed photographic prints combine premium heavyweight matte paper with a durable genuine pine wood frame. Each photograph is protected behind shatterproof plexiglass, helping to guard against dust and accidental damage while keeping the image clearly visible.
The photograph is printed on heavyweight 200 gsm (80 lb) white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious, non-reflective surface. The paper measures approximately 0.22 mm thick and reproduces the colors and fine details of the original vintage photograph beautifully.
The wooden frame has a slim, elegant profile, measuring approximately 20–25 mm deep and 10–14 mm wide. It complements the photograph without overpowering it, making these framed prints suitable for a wide range of interiors.
Choose from Black, White or Natural Wood frame finishes to suit your decor. Every framed print includes a hanging kit and arrives ready to display, making it a convenient choice for homes, offices, gifts and hospitality interiors.
The heavyweight paper is made using FSC-certified materials or equivalent. The protective plexiglass may produce some reflections depending on the lighting conditions in your room.
Which Print Format Is Right for You?
All three options reproduce the same genuine vintage photograph, but each offers a different look and presentation.
| Feature | Poster | Canvas | Framed Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Material | Premium matte paper | Textured cotton-polyester canvas | Premium matte paper |
| Material Weight | 200 gsm | 300–350 gsm | 200 gsm |
| Finish | Smooth matte | Textured matte | Smooth matte |
| Presentation | Unframed | Stretched over wood | Solid pine frame |
| Protective Glazing | None | None | Shatterproof plexiglass |
| Ready to Hang | No | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Colours | Not applicable | Not applicable | Black, White, Natural Wood |
Posters are ideal if you want an affordable photographic print or prefer your own framing. Canvas prints offer a textured, low-reflection appearance without glass. Framed prints provide an elegant, ready-to-hang presentation with protective plexiglass.
From Our Original Photographic Archive
Every print is reproduced from a genuine vintage colour photograph in our own private archive. We own the original slides or negatives and the rights to the images, making these photographs exclusive to Places Remembered.
Wherever possible, our photographs are scanned directly from the original film, then carefully restored with digital tools, including AI-assisted enhancement. The original scenes were photographed in colour; they are not modern illustrations, artificially colourised black-and-white photographs or AI-generated recreations.
These are genuine moments from the past, carefully preserved and reproduced for today's walls.
Choose the Perfect Size
Whether you are decorating a smaller room or creating a striking feature wall, all three print formats are available in three sizes.
12×18" 30×45 cm
A versatile choice for bedrooms, kitchens, home offices, smaller walls and thoughtful gifts.
16×24" 40×60 cm
Ideal for creating a focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, offices and gallery walls.
24×36" 60×90 cm
Perfect above sofas, fireplaces and beds, or anywhere you want a historic photograph to become a conversation piece.
All sizes are approximate. The dimensions refer to the printed artwork. The overall external dimensions of framed prints will be slightly larger due to the frame.
Bulk Discount Available
Buying several prints for your home, workplace, vacation rental or hospitality interior? Purchase five or more prints and receive 15% off your order.
Our vintage photographic prints are also well suited to gift shops, cafés, hotels, restaurants, galleries and businesses looking for distinctive historic wall art.
Made to Order with Free Shipping
Every photographic poster, canvas and framed print is produced individually to order. This avoids unnecessary stock and ensures that each print is made specifically for you.
We offer free shipping to the USA and UK. Please allow approximately 7–14 days for production and delivery, although times may vary depending on the destination and print format.
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