IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Streatham Hill, LONDON, SW2 4SU

Although referred to officially as Brixton bus garage, this depot on Streatham Hill is about a mile south of Brixton itself (although still within the SW2 postcode area). It was formerly operated by London Transport, although the buses were privatised in the mid 1990s. This depot and the buses operating from it passed to Cowie group, who subsequently became Arriva.

Designed by Frederick Gibberd (1908-1984) in the 1930s, when he was only in his 20s. A wonderful start to a great career that encompassed cathedrals, New Towns and much more. www.pullmancourt.org.uk

At Brixton bus garage.

Looking crystalline white against the blue sky, these flats were designed by Frederick Gibberd in 1935, and were one of the first such developments in the International Modern style in Britain. The flats are arranged so that most do not face the busy main road, they were equipped with many modern conveniences such as boilers and wirelesses, and communal facilities included a rooftop garden and open-air swimming pool. Grade II* listed. This was Gibberd's first major commission, and while his career prospered (Harlow New Town, Heathrow Airport, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral), he never again designed in a similar style.

Fleet number DW68 is displaying blinds for route 137 to Marble Arch. DW234 and DW81 are parked flanking the garage exit.

A cluster of three early C19th survivals - some achievement on this road - villas in the Gothick style. The addition of the 'k' denotes the fact that the style is only superficial, being employed to keep up with the latest fashion. Scratch a Gothick building and (usually) a Classical one is revealed. Here, not much scratching is needed, the nod to Gothic being the pointed window tracery. Grade II listed.

This imposing block of flats was designed by Toms and Partners in 1937. Happily, the original metal Crittall-style windows seem to have survived. The original sales brochure boasted, "constant softened hot water ... separate tradesmen's entrance ... from £105 p.a". It is within the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill Conservation Area. The course of Streatham High Road has been a major highway between London and Sussex since Roman times. Its current appearance is largely attributable to two major spells of development. The first was during the late C19th following the opening of Streatham Hill station in 1856, and the second was after 1911 when the line to Victoria was electrified. Though much-maligned and undoubtedly blighted by heavy traffic, closer examination reveals that the road is lined with a number of interesting buildings, some of which reflect the period between the wars when Streatham was a fashionable centre of entertainment. Information from Lambeth Council (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/exeres/CE4B5CE1-0387-40ED-B5A9-273A5160C34A.htm ).

Frederick Gibberd's early accomplishment. I think the feature in the foreground is the original outdoor swimming pool, now filled in.

This is the name of the block of flats on the corner.