Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Boroughs > City of London
King William Street, London, 1830. Artist: George Scharf
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
King William Street, London, 1830. Artist: George Scharf
View of the northern approach to London Bridge showing the site of the new King William Street, with building works in progress. St Michael, Crooked Lane, in the foreground, was demolished as part of the works in 1831
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15167980
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Construction George Scharf King William Street Scharf St Michael Crooked Lane
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> George White
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William White
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of London
> Religious Art
> Religious Architecture
> Churches and Cathedrals
EDITORS COMMENTS
King William Street, London, 1830: A Glimpse into the City's Transformation". This black and white lithograph by George Scharf takes us back to the bustling streets of early 19th century London. The image captures the northern approach to London Bridge, revealing a city in transition. In the foreground stands St Michael, Crooked Lane, a symbol of centuries-old Christianity that would soon succumb to progress. The scene is filled with construction activity as building works are underway for King William Street. This ambitious project aimed to reshape the cityscape and create a new thoroughfare fit for a rapidly expanding metropolis. As we gaze upon this monochrome snapshot frozen in time, we witness both destruction and creation intertwining. The demolition of St Michael's church in 1831 serves as a poignant reminder of how urban development can erase cherished landmarks from our collective memory. Yet it also represents an era where progress took precedence over tradition. Through Scharf's skilled hand, we glimpse not only physical changes but also societal shifts occurring during this transformative period. The road teems with people going about their daily lives - merchants trading goods, carriages traversing cobblestones, and pedestrians weaving through the crowd. This print now resides within Guildhall Library and Art Gallery—a testament to its historical significance. It offers us an opportunity to reflect on London's rich heritage while contemplating how cities evolve over time; forever shaped by human ambition and ingenuity.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.