London Hilton, Park Lane c1959

This authentic 1950s colour photograph offers a unique glimpse into the planning stages of one of London’s most famous modern landmarks. Taken circa 1959, the image captures a red London Transport double-decker bus, RTL 1120 on route 2B to Crystal Palace, as it passes the future site of the London Hilton on Park Lane. A large billboard dominates the background, featuring an artist’s impression of the sleek, high-rise hotel that would soon transform the skyline. The bus is adorned with quintessential period advertisements, including a bold “It’s Kodak for COLOUR” banner and a smaller sign for “Haig in every Home”. A woman in a dark coat and white hat walks across the pavement, adding a touch of mid-century fashion to this scene of urban transition. Construction on the Hilton began in 1960, making this photo a rare record of the site just before it became a landmark of 1960s architecture. This archival print is a perfect resource for transport enthusiasts, architectural historians, or as a nostalgic piece to print for yourself.