Westgate under construction, Oxford 1971
$20.00
Instant royalty-free digital download. No watermark. You will receive a JPG image of between 3000 and 4000 pixels on the longest side. Perfect for prints, books, media, creative projects, and more. The download link will appear in the checkout after successful purchase.
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This authentic 1970s colour photograph, captured in 1971, documents the initial construction phase of the original Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford city centre. The archival image showcases the large-scale reinforced concrete project designed by Douglas Murray and built by Taylor Woodrow, which replaced a significant portion of the historic St Ebbes district. A prominent feature of the site is the large “Selfridges” sign on the perimeter hoarding, marking the future site of the prestigious department store that would anchor the centre upon its opening in 1972. The construction scene includes heavy-duty cranes and extensive scaffolding against the backdrop of Oxford’s dreaming spires. While the original Selfridges later became a Lewis’s, Allders, and eventually a Primark, the entire 1970s structure—with the exception of some retained elements—was eventually demolished starting in 2015 to make way for a £500 million modern redevelopment. This factual record preserves the mid-century transformation of Oxford’s retail landscape during the early 1970s.
About Retro Stock Photography
Retro Stock Photography specializes in genuine vintage color photographs from the 1950s through the 1990s, all available as royalty-free instant downloads. Our photos are popular for editorial features, books, magazines, websites, documentaries, advertising, social media, local history projects, creative design, and as unique gifts when printed.
All of our images are scanned directly from original slides and negatives, preserving their authenticity, detail, and character. And because we own the original photographs and copyrights, all of our collection is exclusive to us and not available elsewhere.
Buy any 5 downloads and receive 15% off your entire order.