Regent’s Canal, London Zoo 1966

This authentic 1960s colour photograph captures the striking modernist architecture of the Snowdon Aviary at London Zoo in 1966. Designed by Cedric Price, Lord Snowdon, and Frank Newby, the aviary’s innovative aluminium tetrahedrons and tensioned mesh structure rise dramatically above the lush greenery of Regent’s Park. In the foreground, a blue and cream canal narrowboat glides along the Regent’s Canal, which runs directly through the zoo grounds. The banks of the canal are lined with traditional iron railings and a dirt path, with a large, weathered tree trunk partially framing the view. The bright summer foliage and clear sky highlight the futuristic aesthetic of the aviary, which had only been open for a year at the time of this photo. This digital download is a marvellous historical record of mid-century design and London’s recreational history, perfect to print for yourself as a piece of vintage wall art.