Boomtime: The 1930's in Hammersmith

A SELF - GUIDED WALK

Discover how, in the 1930’s, a ‘shabby suburb’ transformed into a ‘modern’ shopping centre with cinemas and restaurants. Although some buildings have disappeared, a few Art Deco shopfronts still remain together with the Grade II-listed Hammersmith Town Hall which is currently been transformed back to it its former glory as a public building at the heart of the community.

Find how American influence turned Hammersmith’s Broadway into a centre for a new entertainment culture employing Hollywood glamour and the novelty appeal of ‘Jazz’ and dance band music to attract customers.

Sadly, The Hammersmith Palais, The Clarendon Hotel, the Emerald Dance Hall and several cinemas have disappeared, only one survives, but we can still celebrate Boomtime on the Broadway of the 1930’s before the bombs of the Second World War rained down on Hammersmith.

Supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

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