Symons Wharf, River Thames 1962

A 1960s colour photo of Symons Wharf on the River Thames in 1962. The image showcases the massive, multi-storey brick warehouse of the wharf, featuring a distinctive striped pattern of dark and light masonry and numerous loading bays. Three large industrial cranes with tall lattice booms are positioned along the quayside, actively engaged in unloading cargo. In the foreground, the upper hull and bridge of a cargo ship named ‘TUNIS’ are visible, with its black and red funnel and white superstructure. Ground personnel can be seen working near the open hatches, capturing the high-intensity industrial operations of London’s Pool of London during the early 60s.

Today, this area of the South Bank has been completely transformed through urban regeneration. Symons Wharf and its neighbouring warehouses were demolished in the late 20th century to make way for the London Bridge City development. The site where these gritty industrial operations once took place is now home to modern office complexes, retail spaces, and the Hay’s Galleria. The heavy cargo ships and working cranes that defined the river during the latter half of the 20th century have been replaced by pedestrian walkways and tourist river services, leaving St. Olaf House as one of the few remaining historic architectural markers in the immediate vicinity.