Barnet Then and Now

Old and new photographs of local buildings and views have been brought together in Barnet Then and Now, a new book on the local history and topography of what is now the London Borough of Barnet.

Yasmine Webb, who was formerly collections manager for the Barnet local studies group, took photographs for the book to show the contrast between past and present views of familiar sites across this part of north London.

…images illustrate how Barnet, despite undergoing many changes, has managed to retain its historic identity…

She says the contrasting images illustrate how Barnet, despite undergoing many changes, has managed to retain its historic identity.

“The charming geographical layout of the highest hills and adjoining valleys of north London create fantastic views that have been well documented by numerous artists and writers.

“Choosing the images that give the architecture its merit was both a challenge and a labour of love due to the size and topography of the borough.”

Although not heavily industrialised, there were some notable commercial concerns within the boundaries of what is now the London borough.

Local factories such as Aeronautics in Hendon, STC Telephones & Cables in Friern Barnet and Simms Motor Units in East Finchley provided local employment; Ms Webb believes they brought communities together.  Barnet Then and Now, to be published by the History Press, price £14.99, on 1.11.2013.

For details of discounted copies, depending on number purchased, contact Paul Field, History Press

Email: pfield@thehistorypress.co.uk