Black-and-white photographs from 1973 transport us to London Victoria railway station, encapsulating a bygone era characterized by prominent sideburns, public lockers, platform tickets, and boat trains to France and Belgium.
Photographer Vincent Oliver embodies the spirit of 1970s rail travel, inviting us to reminisce about a time when a trip to Ostend felt as reachable as a journey to Orpington.
At that time, Mr. Oliver was with the Welsh Guards Band, stationed at Chelsea Barracks—a location conveniently close to the station, which has since been demolished.
Reflecting on his memories decades later, he recalls the joy of capturing these images on his time off.
“I was based at Chelsea Barracks, just a short walk away from the station,” he reminisces.
“The photographs that resonate with me most are those featuring the signs for the boat trains heading to Ostend and Calais, routes I traversed many times as a child to visit relatives.”
“Observing the transformation of the station is also intriguing, especially the transition from the wooden ticket office to the WH Smith shop.”
“The sight of the slam-door trains serves as a reminder of their risks; passengers could open the doors while the train was still rolling, leading to numerous accidents at the time.”
“I’m particularly fond of the fashion and hairstyles captured in those days.”
“I got my first camera in 1971, eager to document the places and people that mattered to me. Victoria station was a treasure trove of photographic opportunities.”
“In 1973, it was quite easy to photograph individuals going about their daily routines, and most people didn’t mind the intrusion—today, such candid photography is much tougher.”
“While a day out with a camera can be enjoyable, having a specific project or theme can produce far more meaningful results and usually leads to superior images.”
“When I took these photographs, I never considered that they would hold significance for later audiences; I simply relished the act of capturing them.”
“Only once you gather a substantial body of work can you appreciate how you’ve frozen a unique moment that can never be replicated.”
“Change occurs gradually, and it’s only upon reflection that you can fully grasp its magnitude.”
“I recall lecturing for the Post Office photographic society located in Silvertown, East London, where I was captivated by the docker’s houses and their surroundings.”
“I often wish I had revisited to document the evolution of that area, which is now dominated by the Canary Wharf development.”
“Though the changes might seem minor now, they will become significant over time.”
“I currently dedicate time to capturing the transformations happening in my local area of Chislehurst in southeast London.”
“The familiar greengrocer, butcher, and baker shops have all vanished, replaced by supermarkets.”
“It’s crucial for photographers to document their high streets and local landmarks, as these will become invaluable assets to the community in the future.”
“Given the rapid advancements in digital technology, relying on disk drives for photo storage poses risks since they can fail, potentially causing loss or inaccessibility for future generations.”
“The most reliable long-term preservation method is to print photographs on high-quality photo paper.”
“As an amateur photographer beginning in 1971 with a simple camera, I aimed to capture the essence of everyday life.”
“This collection of images inspired me to transition from a musician in a military band to a professional photographer.”
“I’ve been taking pictures for 54 years and plan to continue for many more.”
The post Headline: 1973s London Victoria: A Timeless Photographic Journey Through Railway History and Nostalgia first appeared on London.
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Author : London News
Publish date : 2025-03-23 09:54:00
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