Then and now: hybrid photos of bridges show how London has changed


The Museum of London Docklands has created 16 compound images which combine black and white photos of London with contemporary snaps of the same locations.


Bridges have long stood as metaphor for connection, and so it seems particularly apt that the many bridges that span London's river Thames should be used as the focal points of a new photography project that combines black and white images of London in bygone days with contemporary photos of the same spots.

Unknown photographer Lower Pool, with Tower Bridge under construction Glass lantern slide c. late 19th century © Museum of London

Unknown photographer. Lower Pool, with Tower Bridge under construction Glass lantern slide c. late 19th century © Museum of London

The 16 hybrid images released by the Museum of London Docklands show 'then and now' views of London and its most iconic bridges across the ages.

Albert Gravely Linney Vauxhall Bridge from Cambridge Wharf c. 1928 Taken from the North Bank of the Thames. © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

Albert Gravely Linney Vauxhall Bridge from Cambridge Wharf c. 1928 Taken from the North Bank of the Thames. © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

The images, which juxtapose historic views with their present day perspective, were created using photographs showcased in Museum of London Docklands' new art exhibition Bridge, opening on Friday 27 June.

Albert Gravely Linney Tower Bridge framing the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral c. 1930 Taken from the river, looking west. © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

Albert Gravely Linney Tower Bridge framing the Dome of St Paul's Cathedral c. 1930 Taken from the river, looking west. © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

While some of the images - particularly those of the City of London and its many new skyscrapers - show how much London has changed since the days of black and white photography, others - like those of Richmond Bridge - show how some areas have remained remarkably unchanged.

Albert Gravely Linney Richmond Bridge  c. 1930  Taken from the North side of the river.  © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

Albert Gravely Linney Richmond Bridge c. 1930 Taken from the North side of the river. © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

Christina Broom (1863–1939) Tower Bridge c. 1903–10 © Christina Broom/Museum of London

Christina Broom (1863-1939) Tower Bridge c. 1903-10 © Christina Broom/Museum of London

Christina Broom (1863–1939) Tower Bridge c. 1903–10 © Christina Broom/Museum of London

Albert Gravely Linney Vauxhall Bridge from Cambridge Wharf c. 1928 Taken from the North Bank of the Thames. © Albert Gravely Linney/Museum of London

 

 

 








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