White City portrait

White City in west London is not the most glamorous or sought-after address, but it plays a huge role in my life as part of the neighbourhood.

The area began life as an exhibition mecca in the early 20th century, and was the venue for the 1908 Olympics. More than a century later, times have changed. Its era as the hub of BBC Television and news has been and gone. But the relatively new Westfield shopping complex has transformed White City.

It’s a place where people live and work. Enjoy this series of snapshots from an urban slice of west London.

Click first image for the full gallery experience

The White City housing estate under a wintry blanket

The Westfield shopping complex brings architectural modernity to White City

Boris bikes have found their way this far west

The former BBC Television Centre is an iconic White City landmark

Wood Lane Tube station opened in 2008

Westfield began trading in 2008

Hammersmith Park is an oasis of green in White City

The park was blanketed in snow this winter

The Ugli office block lives up to its name

Outdoor escalators help shoppers to clamber up to Westfield

The BBC formally exited the Television Centre buildings on 31 March

This urban area is rich in street furniture

Tags: architecture, BBC Television Centre, London, photography, Westfield, White City, Wood Lane

23 thoughts on “White City portrait”

Vibeke Henriette on June 21, 2013 at 21:05 said:

Used to live in London in my youth…, love your amazing shots from a city I love 4ever😍

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- mikeosbornphoto on June 21, 2013 at 21:08 said:
  
  Thank you very much :-) I hope some of my shots bring back good memories.
  
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  - Vibeke Henriette on June 22, 2013 at 11:16 said:
    
    Going back almost every year, must go to Hammersmith again too, I realize :)
    Have a good weekend :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on June 22, 2013 at 11:22 said:
      
      I would recommend it! And I have a Norwegian neighbour, as it happens. Enjoy your weekend too, Vibeke.
      
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Stephen Savva on May 11, 2013 at 14:27 said:

BBC Television Centre is such an iconic building! A real shame the BBC have got rid of it.

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Photographs by Peter Knight on April 10, 2013 at 09:57 said:

Nice Set Mike! Love white city under snow!! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 10, 2013 at 17:05 said:
  
  Thank you Peter. I’m glad the snow has long since gone!
  
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Peggy Isaacs on April 8, 2013 at 17:11 said:

Great photos. Dig the new layout.

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 8, 2013 at 17:43 said:
  
  Thanks Peggy and glad you like the fresh new feel. Hopefully it serves the images well.
  
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Chris Kemp on April 7, 2013 at 18:03 said:

Great series matey and really like the ‘X’ roof shot

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 18:04 said:
  
  Thanks Chris, good of you to pop over here!
  
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lautal on April 7, 2013 at 14:06 said:

Mike, you are good in details pictures. I like this set.

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 14:08 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Alexander. I’ve taken so many photos at White City it was time to bring some of them together.
  
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ckponderings on April 7, 2013 at 10:44 said:

Great set of shots, and a beautiful summary of the area. The new scheme’s working well too! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 11:01 said:
  
  Thank you, Richard. Ah, you like the lighter look? It feels a bit like a breath of fresh air. So long as it’s legible and the images stand out…
  
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  - ckponderings on April 7, 2013 at 11:05 said:
    
    Nope, definitely, it works well. A friend of mine worked at TVC a few years ago too, by the way – I’m interested on his memories of the place, so have mentioned him on Facebook! :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 11:10 said:
      
      Glad to hear it! And thanks for sharing the news – hopefully your friend’s recollections will come flooding out :-)
      
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lena de almeida on April 7, 2013 at 10:25 said:

Looking at these beautiful images I can’t help the feeling that they capture, for posterity, a part of the history of the city. You have a great eye for detail, Mike.

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 10:29 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Lena. The area has certainly altered with the closure of Television Centre but will continue to grow and develop. Indeed, that’s history!
  
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belgradestreets on April 7, 2013 at 10:11 said:

Great set of images, and some happy memories!

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 10:18 said:
  
  Thanks Andy, I guess you know the area well too. Was that pre or post Westfield? It’s hard to believe that huge lot was empty.
  
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  - belgradestreets on April 7, 2013 at 13:09 said:
    
    Pre Westfield when the fear was all the old unexploded bombs on the site!
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on April 7, 2013 at 13:10 said:
      
      That’s right! It’s now hard to recall how empty and neglected it was back then.
      
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