Image Licensing : Housing estate 1930 EPW038718

EDITORS COMMENTS

This aerial photograph, taken in 1932, captures the pristine beauty of Pennine Drive housing estate in Golders Green, London, built by the renowned construction company John Laing & Co. in June 1930. The image offers a bird's-eye view of the well-planned community, showcasing its symmetrical layout and meticulously designed streets. At the time, the construction of attractive new housing estates was a source of great pride for house builders, as they responded to the growing demand for affordable and modern homes in the aftermath of World War I. The Pennine Drive estate is a testament to this trend, with its uniform rows of semi-detached houses, neat gardens, and ample green spaces. The photograph, taken by Aerofilms, reveals the estate's impressive scale and organization, with each property neatly arranged in a grid-like pattern. The lush, green spaces that crisscross the estate add a sense of tranquility and balance to the otherwise uniform design. The inclusion of communal gardens and play areas further emphasizes the emphasis on community and family life. The Pennine Drive housing estate in Golders Green stands as a significant example of the interwar housing boom and the innovative approaches taken by builders like John Laing & Co. to meet the housing needs of the time. This aerial view offers a unique perspective on the estate's design and layout, highlighting the thoughtful planning and attention to detail that went into creating a thriving and desirable community.