In 1899 the London County Council gave the power to proceed with major slum clearances around Holborn and Strand.
Press cutting on the completion of the Aldwych Frontage, Kingsway illustrated directly opposite Bush House, Steevens 3/3
Circled in blue on the right is Africa House. This is a Grade II listed building. English Heritage described it as a 'large office block with shops at ground floor, 1921-2'.
A closer look at Kingsway's trams:
Constructing Bush House
The original scheme was that Bush House Ltd. would occupy the 'whole of the island site', but following the 1920 financial crisis and slump, this proposal was abandoned and only the central portion of Bush House was completed at the time.
Bush House in 1928 vs 2022
(Left) 1st floor lift hallway ceiling, 1928, Steevens 2/1/2, (right) 1st floor lift hallway ceiling, 2022, cc: Poppy Bignell
The photograph on the right is a promotional pamphlet for Bush House as a ‘Modern Office and Showroom Building’.
'A Modern Office and Showroom Building' promotional pamphlet, Steevens 3/1/1
The features include:
International tenants:
As a successful American businessman, Irving Bush created an office and trading centre with an international profile in the heart of London. With Kingsway just opposite lined with business offices, this was an economically thriving area of London.
Bush House Today
The area will be entirely car free and centred around St Mary le Strand church (pictured on the right) which was flanked on both sides by traffic.
