Skip to main content

Local Government Collection

"Embracing Local Governance: A Global Perspective" From the grandeur of the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall in Leuven

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The 15th century late Gothic Town Hall in the Grote Markt, Leuven, Belgium, Europe

The 15th century late Gothic Town Hall in the Grote Markt, Leuven, Belgium, Europe

Background imageLocal Government Collection: City Hall, Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, California, United States of America, North America

City Hall, Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, California, United States of America, North America

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Leeds Owls and Civic Hall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Leeds Owls and Civic Hall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Town Hall and Christmas lights on The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire

Town Hall and Christmas lights on The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Town Hall, Ciutadella, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, Europe

Town Hall, Ciutadella, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, Europe

Background imageLocal Government Collection: South Yorkshire County Council Christmas card, c. 1986

South Yorkshire County Council Christmas card, c. 1986
The card depicts the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Michael Heseltine, carving up a local government pudding

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Inauguration of the Townhall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1858. Creator: Unknown

Inauguration of the Townhall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Inauguration of the Townhall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1858. The inauguration of the new public buildings in Nicholas-square, Newcastle, took place in the beginning of this month

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Johannes Parker, Alderman and Councilor of Middelburg, 1670. Creator: Bernard Vaillant

Johannes Parker, Alderman and Councilor of Middelburg, 1670. Creator: Bernard Vaillant
Johannes Parker, Alderman and Councilor of Middelburg, 1670

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Municipal Building from Court Square, Springfield, Mass. c.between 1910 and 1920. Creator: Unknown

Municipal Building from Court Square, Springfield, Mass. c.between 1910 and 1920. Creator: Unknown
Municipal Building from Court Square, Springfield, Mass. c.between 1910 and 1920. Civil War memorial in foreground

Background imageLocal Government Collection: 'The County Council in it's New Home at Spring Gardens, 1890. Creator: Unknown

'The County Council in it's New Home at Spring Gardens, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The County Council in it's New Home at Spring Gardens, 1890. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 41. January to June, 1890

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Nikola'i Alekseevich Miliutin, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly...between 1880

Nikola'i Alekseevich Miliutin, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly...between 1880 and 86 Creator: Unknown
Nikola'i Alekseevich Miliutin, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right, in uniform, between 1880 and 1886

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Louis XVI received by the new Mayor of Paris, July 17 1789, (19th / early 20th century)

Louis XVI received by the new Mayor of Paris, July 17 1789, (19th / early 20th century). Artist: Jean-Paul Laurens
Louis XVI is received by the new Mayor of Paris, Jean Sylvain Bailly, July 17 1789 (19th/early 20th century). One of the instigators of the Oath of the Tennis Court

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Edinburgh: the Tolbooth, 1864. Creator: Unknown

Edinburgh: the Tolbooth, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Edinburgh: the Tolbooth, 1864. Canongate Tolbooth, built in 1591, is a historic landmark of the Old Town. It was the centre of administration

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Mr. John Thwaites, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works - from a photograph by Cox, 1858

Mr. John Thwaites, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works - from a photograph by Cox, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Mr. John Thwaites, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works - from a photograph by Cox, 1858. First Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, and the first Leader of local government in London

Background imageLocal Government Collection: County Hall Wakefield 33922_037

County Hall Wakefield 33922_037
County Hall, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, 2020

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Computer room JLP01_10_08168

Computer room JLP01_10_08168
Shire Hall, Shinfield Park, Shinfield, Wokingham, Berkshire. A small section of the computer suite at the Shire Hall, the headquarters of Berkshire County Council

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Royal opening JLP01_09_820800

Royal opening JLP01_09_820800
Shire Hall, Shinfield Park, Shinfield, Wokingham, Berkshire. Lewis Moss, Chairman of Berkshire County Council, greeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the official opening of the Shire Hall

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Royal opening JLP01_09_820795

Royal opening JLP01_09_820795
Shire Hall, Shinfield Park, Shinfield, Wokingham, Berkshire. Queen Elizabeth II and the Chairman of Berkshire County Council descending a flight of steps lined with Brownies

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The new Paris municipal council (colour litho)

The new Paris municipal council (colour litho)
2807789 The new Paris municipal council (colour litho) by Damblans, Eugene (1865-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The new Paris city council. Members of the newly elected nationalist majority)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: A madman in the offices of the Prefecture of Seine (colour litho)

A madman in the offices of the Prefecture of Seine (colour litho)
2818260 A madman in the offices of the Prefecture of Seine (colour litho) by Meyer, Henri (1841-99) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A madman in the offices of the Prefecture of Seine)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: James Hales Martin, 1923 (oil on canvas)

James Hales Martin, 1923 (oil on canvas)
6198693 James Hales Martin, 1923 (oil on canvas) by Kerr, Henry Wright (1857-1936); 128.2x76.8 cm; The McManus, Dundee, UK; (add.info.: James Hales Martin (1848-1934)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Building the new home for the London County Council, 1914 (litho)

Building the new home for the London County Council, 1914 (litho)
972714 Building the new home for the London County Council, 1914 (litho) by Macpherson, Douglas (1871-1951) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Sketches of the London County Council Election (engraving)

Sketches of the London County Council Election (engraving)
1626649 Sketches of the London County Council Election (engraving) by Wilson, Thomas Walter (1851-1912); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches of the London County Council Election)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The Licensing Question, Sketches at the London County Council (engraving)

The Licensing Question, Sketches at the London County Council (engraving)
1596223 The Licensing Question, Sketches at the London County Council (engraving) by Wilson, Thomas Walter (1851-1912); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Licensing Question)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Letter from Nicholas Hardcastle accepting invitation to stand as city councillor for St

Letter from Nicholas Hardcastle accepting invitation to stand as city councillor for St
3898321 Letter from Nicholas Hardcastle accepting invitation to stand as city councillor for St Johns Ward, Newcastle upon Tyne

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The Workers of the Disfigurement: the planning department of a municipal council (litho)

The Workers of the Disfigurement: the planning department of a municipal council (litho)
6031086 The Workers of the Disfigurement: the planning department of a municipal council (litho) by Robida, Albert (1848-1926); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Workers of the Disfigurement)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Members of the New London County Council (engraving)

Members of the New London County Council (engraving)
1626273 Members of the New London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Members of the New London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: A Meeting of the Licensing Committee of the London County Council (engraving)

A Meeting of the Licensing Committee of the London County Council (engraving)
1627533 A Meeting of the Licensing Committee of the London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Common Council Room at the London Guildhall, 1890 (photo)

Common Council Room at the London Guildhall, 1890 (photo)
DGC398063 Common Council Room at the London Guildhall, 1890 (photo) by British Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; British, out of copyright

Background imageLocal Government Collection: New Members of the London County Council (b / w photo)

New Members of the London County Council (b / w photo)
1615321 New Members of the London County Council (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: New Members of the London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: President d Administration Municipale during the period of the Directoire (1795-99

President d Administration Municipale during the period of the Directoire (1795-99
CHT293666 President d Administration Municipale during the period of the Directoire (1795-99) in France (coloured engraving) by Garneray

Background imageLocal Government Collection: AE 523 Illustration from the Livre Ferre of the Cour des Comptes (vellum)

AE 523 Illustration from the Livre Ferre of the Cour des Comptes (vellum)
ARH231017 AE 523 Illustration from the Livre Ferre of the Cour des Comptes (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Centre Historique des Archives Nationales, Paris

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Putting up posters for the French municipal elections (colour litho)

Putting up posters for the French municipal elections (colour litho)
3096990 Putting up posters for the French municipal elections (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Putting up posters for the French municipal elections)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: New Members of the London County Council (b / w photo)

New Members of the London County Council (b / w photo)
1615322 New Members of the London County Council (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: New Members of the London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Council chamber of the town hall, Naarden, 1603 (colour litho)

Council chamber of the town hall, Naarden, 1603 (colour litho)
969049 Council chamber of the town hall, Naarden, 1603 (colour litho) by Steelink, Willem II (1856-1928); Private Collection; (add.info.: Council chamber of the town hall, Naarden, North Holland)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Members of the New London County Council (engraving)

Members of the New London County Council (engraving)
1626268 Members of the New London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Members of the New London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The last Speech as Prime Minister, Mr Gladstone speaking on the Lords Amendments to the Local

The last Speech as Prime Minister, Mr Gladstone speaking on the Lords Amendments to the Local Government
1039694 The last Speech as Prime Minister, Mr Gladstone speaking on the Lords Amendments to the Local Government (England and Wales) Bill, 1 March 1894 (engraving) by Hall

Background imageLocal Government Collection: French Prefect and Mayor during the period (1830-47) of the July Monarchy in France

French Prefect and Mayor during the period (1830-47) of the July Monarchy in France
CHT293667 French Prefect and Mayor during the period (1830-47) of the July Monarchy in France (colour litho) by Lacauchie, Alexandre (19th century) (after); Musee de la Ville de Paris

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Celebrating the Thousandth Anniversary of Municipal Government at Winchester (engraving)

Celebrating the Thousandth Anniversary of Municipal Government at Winchester (engraving)
1063459 Celebrating the Thousandth Anniversary of Municipal Government at Winchester (engraving) by Boyd, Alexander Stuart (1854-1930); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Interior of the Guildhall, Canterbury, Kent (b / w photo)

Interior of the Guildhall, Canterbury, Kent (b / w photo)
5996947 Interior of the Guildhall, Canterbury, Kent (b/w photo) by Collis, Henry Beauchamp (fl.1881-1913); Private Collection; (add.info.: Interior of the Guildhall, Canterbury, Kent)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The Leaders of the New London County Council (engraving)

The Leaders of the New London County Council (engraving)
1614746 The Leaders of the New London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Leaders of the New London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Some Rough Sketches at a Sitting of the Charing Cross Parliament (engraving)

Some Rough Sketches at a Sitting of the Charing Cross Parliament (engraving)
1595037 Some Rough Sketches at a Sitting of the Charing Cross Parliament (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Members of the New London County Council (engraving)

Members of the New London County Council (engraving)
1626221 Members of the New London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Members of the New London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The County Council Elections for London (engraving)

The County Council Elections for London (engraving)
1626197 The County Council Elections for London (engraving) by Almond, William Douglas (1866-1916); Private Collection; (add.info.: The County Council Elections for London)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Members of the New London County Council (engraving)

Members of the New London County Council (engraving)
1626238 Members of the New London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Members of the New London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: Members of the New London County Council (engraving)

Members of the New London County Council (engraving)
1626199 Members of the New London County Council (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Members of the New London County Council)

Background imageLocal Government Collection: The New Chamber of the London County Council, Spring Gardens (engraving)

The New Chamber of the London County Council, Spring Gardens (engraving)
1626990 The New Chamber of the London County Council, Spring Gardens (engraving) by Watkins, Frank (fl.1859-94); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Chamber of the London County Council)




For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Embracing Local Governance: A Global Perspective" From the grandeur of the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall in Leuven, Belgium to the modern City Hall in San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza, local governments around the world play a vital role in shaping our communities. In Leeds, England, the iconic Leeds Owls and Civic Hall stand as symbols of civic pride and heritage. During Christmas time, their dazzling lights on The Headrow create a magical atmosphere that brings joy to residents and visitors alike. Even holiday cards can reflect the importance of local government. South Yorkshire County Council's charming Christmas card from 1986 reminds us of their commitment to serving communities during festive times. Traveling further south to Menorca's Ciutadella, we find an exquisite Town Hall nestled within this beautiful Balearic Island. Its presence serves as a reminder that even small towns have dedicated leaders working tirelessly for their constituents' well-being. Meanwhile, Munster's Historic Town Hall on Prinzipalmarkt showcases Germany's rich architectural history while adding charm to its Christmas festivities. This fusion of tradition and celebration exemplifies how local governments preserve cultural heritage while adapting to changing times. Across continents in Heidelberg, Germany’s Market Square boasts not only bustling commerce but also an impressive Town Hall that stands tall amidst centuries-old buildings, and is here where decisions are made that impact citizens' lives daily. Looking back into history reveals Truro's council chamber in Cornwall before 1914—a testament to how long local governance has been ingrained within societies worldwide. And Wakefield’s County Hall demonstrates how technology has transformed these institutions with its computer room—an essential tool for efficient administration today. Local government transcends borders; it unites people under a common goal—to build thriving communities where individuals can flourish. Whether it be through historic landmarks or cutting-edge facilities, these images remind us of the dedication and hard work put forth by those who serve in local government.