Image Licensing : GWR Offices and Gamages Department Store, London, c. 1900

EDITORS COMMENTS

This vintage print captures the bustling streets of Holborn, London, around the early 1900s. The focal point is the grand GWR Offices building, standing proudly next to the renowned Gamages Department Store. The GWR (Great Western Railway) had established its offices in this prime location, serving as a hub for railway operations and administration. Gamages Department Store, on the other hand, was an iconic shopping destination that catered to Londoners' desires for over nine decades. From its inception in 1878 until its closure in 1972, Gamages enchanted shoppers with its vast array of goods and impeccable service. The photograph showcases a vibrant scene with people strolling along the sidewalk and horse-drawn carriages passing by. To add charm to this historic snapshot, we catch a glimpse of The Old Bell Restaurant situated on the right side of the frame—a popular eatery known for offering delectable meals amidst an elegant atmosphere. This image provides us with a window into London's past—when commerce thrived alongside architectural marvels like these buildings. It serves as a testament to both GWR's significant presence in Holborn and Gamages' enduring popularity among locals during that era.