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  4. Luton, The Town Hall c.1960

Luton, The Town Hall c.1960
Photo ref: L117088
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Photo ref: L117088
Photo of Luton, The Town Hall c.1960
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More about this scene

The clean forceful lines of the neo- classical new town hall were in marked contrast to its rather sedate and friendly looking predecessor, built by the Luton architects John Williams & Sons in 1846. The earlier town hall was burned down during the post-First World War disturbances in July 1919. In 1930 a competition to design a new town hall was held, and the winners were the architects Bradshaw, Gass & Hope of Bolton. Their design has Doric columns on either side of the entrance as the earlier town hall did, but the neo-classical style is modified by some Art Deco touches. The new town hall is built of Portland stone, with a 144- foot clock tower. The bell that sounds the hours weighs two tonnes, and is the heaviest bell in Bedfordshire. Civic power, like central government, was getting stronger.

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A Selection of Memories from Luton

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Luton

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Kent Meters
I attended the Luton technical College during the years 1952/55 and elected to take the "engineering" route not really giving much thought as to where I might eventually apply my newly acquired skills. To assist with our journey we were encouraged to write to local companies to view their manufacturing facilities in order that we may learn a little of the outside world before venturing into this unknow territory. I scanned ...see more
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Added 09 May 2023

The Fair
Christmas and birthdays were an under-whelming time of year in our household. However, Eastertime, coincided with the arrival of Stanley Thurston's fair (and a big dollop of rain). l lived opposite Manor Rd Park (or reck) from 1956-64, and along with the lead up to bonfire night, this was the highlight of the year for this little black duck, and probably some of my local pals too!! We'd spend the free daylight hours playing ...see more
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Added 09 March 2023

Snapshots
As a very little boy we moved from Birkenhead in the North West, Merseyside to Luton. It was the 1950s and my Dad had a job in Vauxhall's. His brother Tom was already a General Foreman there and his younger brother John (that's what we all called him) worked in the experimental block of Vauxhall's, working on the creation of new models. We lived at 70 Queen Street, alas no more. I remember the street was very cosmopolitan ...see more
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Added 25 January 2023

Luton/Cardiff Grove
Hello, does anyone remember the name of a grocery convenience store that was located in Cardiff Grove, Luton, back in the 1950`s? I would also like to know if possible, the name of the owner of said store or even people that worked there. Many thanks.
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Added 19 January 2023

More about Image Optimisation

All our photos are printed as optimised versions of their originals, this process can take anything from 15 minutes to several hours. This ensures that the product you get shows the true quality that Frith photos are renowned for.

Example of image retouching:

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Genealogy & Research Images

Despite over 20 years’ work on the archive, these scans have still not been individually checked and may prove to be damaged, faded, or not of sufficient quality to ever be offered in our full product range. However, if you would particularly like to buy one of these please get in touch quoting the Frith negative number,(s) the town name and size of print you would like to buy. On receipt of your enquiry our archivist will check the scan and advise you if the quality is good enough.

What is an Album?

An album is a way to save a selection of Frith photos, maps and memories that are of interest to you.

Creating an Album enables you to make short lists and then make a final selection from the album. In particular it makes ordering things like calendars much easier - simply create an Album of the 12 photos you like and then use the Album when placng your order - our order process will give you this option.

You can create as many Albums as you want, so perhaps make one for your hometown, where you live now, where your parents live now etc.