BBC TELEVISION from ALEXANDRA PALACE by Arthur Dungate . Lime Grove demolition The end of an era

4: Lost Vistas   With the demolition of the two tall main buildings (the North and South Blocks) some rooftop views of west London were lost.     Looking south along Lime Grove from the "Studio G balcony" towards the South Block. On the right is the old public swimmimg pool building.     Looking south over the Presentation Block, with the Metropolitan railway on its brick viaduct to the left. In the far distance (extreme top of the picture) is Goldhawk Road Station. To the extreme right are the backs of the houses in Lime Grove, showing how constricted was the site of the studios.     The lost view from the roof of the South Block, looking northwest.

From the roof of North Block.     Architectural aspects Although the frontage of the studios was quite respectable - certainly when new in 1932, other exterior aspects of the studio complex could hardly be described as "beautiful"....     Rear of the South Block, from the roof of North Block.     Roof view of Presentation Block.

The "Nationwide" office on the 7th floor of North Block.     Roof of Studio G. Behind it is the fire escape serving the North Block with access from Studio D.     Film Vaults (7th floor). Note the flame trap walls between each vent hatch.

Looking down into the void between South Block and Presentation Block. Flame trap walls of the film vaults are at the top of the picture.     Fire escapes and service pipes. Some folk could get lost around here!     Another of the many backstair fire escapes.     Side wall of the North Block. [photos: © Nigel Finnis]

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Final Interior Views

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