Building the South Bank

In association with the London Festival of Architecture, this collection illustrates the striking legacy the 1951 Festival of Britain has left on this iconic stretch of the Thames.

Highlights include the whimsical documentary Brief City (1952), home movies shot by excited Festival-goers, and The Happy Family, a 1952 feature film addressing the effects of redevelopment on the local community. Moving into the 21st century, the magnificent re-birth of the Royal Festival Hall is documented in This is Tomorrow (2007), a filmmaking collaboration with pop mavericks Saint Etienne during their Southbank Centre residency.

Simon McCallum
Curator – Mediatheque

Five to Try

Erection of the Dome of Discovery, Festival of Britain (1950-51)
Rare colour footage of the Millenium Dome's 50s forerunner under construction - and a royal visit.

London Adventure with the Wetton Family (1951)
Charming home-movie evoking the excitement of a visit to the South Bank in 1951.

Brief City (1952)
Wry, beautifully filmed documentary soaking up the atmosphere and attractions of the Festival of Britain.

The Happy Family (1952)
South Bank-set feature with Stanley Holloway, directed by British cinema stalwart Muriel Box.

This is Tomorrow (2007)
The Royal festival Hall is reborn for a new generation, to the sounds of Saint Etienne.

View All collections.