Revealing Snapshots of Bristol 1974-1984

The post-war rebuilding of Bristol city centre was characterised by 1960s and 1970s skyscrapers, mid-century modern architecture and road 'improvements'. Much of which changed the city more than the efforts of the Luftwaffe.

Clifton, 1984

Bristol, which now has a population coming on to half a million, was badly damaged by German raids during World War II. Almost 100,000 buildings took a battering with almost 3,000 beyond repair. By the end of the war about 1300 people lost their lives in the raids.

Like most cities in Britain the rebuilding of Bristol city centre was characterised by 1960s and 1970s skyscrapers, mid-century modern architecture and road ‘improvements’. Much of which changed the city more than the efforts of the Luftwaffe.

Old Vic, King St, 1984

Bristol, looking north from Bedminster 1976

Bristol

Clifton Village, 1984

Bristol, behind the old Police Station 1984

Bristol County Charter celebrations 1973

St John on the Wall, Bristol. 1977

Bristol Harbourside (with St Paul Southville), 1977

Ruins of St Peter’s Church, 1977

Bristol

Old Vic Centre, King St, 1984

Bristol

St Nicholas’s Market, 1977

Bristol Centre, 1977

Bristol

Kings Court, 1977

view from the Bristol Marriott, previously the Holiday Inn) 1975

Old Vic, King St, 1984

Bristol

St Mary Redcliffe and the docks, 1976

Llandoger Trow pub, Bristol 1984

College Green, Bristol…undated…1980s?

Bristol from Bedminster Down 1976

The Mall, 1984

Clifton 1973

Park Street 1984

Bristol

Broad Street 1977

Bristol

Christmas Steps, 1977

These photographs all courtesy of Glen Fairweather whose extraordinary collection of photos and postcards can be found on Flickr.

Would you like to support Flashbak?

Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.