High Commission of Australia, The Strand 1953

This authentic 1950s colour photograph captures Australia House, the home of the High Commission of Australia, prominently situated on an island site on the Strand in London. Taken in 1953, the image shows the grand Beaux-Arts building festive with Commonwealth pride, adorned with a magnificent display of Australian blue and red ensigns alongside long yellow decorative banners to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The ground floor arches feature gold lettering for the “GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA” and “AUSTRALIA,” while the upper facade displays the intricate stone carvings and classical columns that have made this a London landmark since 1918. In the background, the steeple of St Mary le Strand and the Gothic spires of the Royal Courts of Justice rise against a clear blue sky, while a red double-decker bus and pedestrians in period dress add to the bustling urban scene. This archival print is a significant historical record of London during a landmark year of celebration, making it a perfect resource for historical research, editorial use, or as a nostalgic piece to print for yourself.