Walton Lodge Linen Services by fishers

Walton Lodge Linen Services

My first thought when I saw this building in Brixton, London, was that it was surely not still a steam laundry - just a building with a history. But, as it turns out, it only ceased trading at the start of this month after 119 years!

The steam laundry survived two world wars and the invention of the domestic washing machine. In recent times it hired linen out to hotels and B&Bs. At its height, its linen was used on the Orient Express and The Churchill Hotel.

It's sad it's now come to an end, but the frontage is listed and therefore will be preserved. There's talk of turning the building into student accommodation.

There's some more interesting history of the business here:
http://www.waltonlodge.com/html/our_history.htm

Lucy
wow that is so cool, man too bad they still dont do it
July 21st, 2014  
Historic capture. Fav.
July 21st, 2014  
Lovely old building, glad the front will be preserved anyway. Nice shot.
July 21st, 2014  
What a shame its come to an end, but that's technology for you.
July 21st, 2014  
What a find! Great to record this piece of architectural history - amazing to think it only closed this year! When I was in the sixth form my father told me that if I didn't decide what I wanted to do career-wise, I might as well leave and work in the laundry! Fav btw.
July 21st, 2014  
What a wonderful building with a great history. I'm glad the facade will be preserved.
July 21st, 2014  
Wonderful building and social/economic history. Great it is to be listed.
July 21st, 2014  
wonderful shot!
July 21st, 2014  
it definitely looks like a building with a history, nice shot
July 21st, 2014  
Bob
Fantastic old building and an excellent history, Lucy. Looks like you got there just a bit late to have your laundry done!
July 21st, 2014  
Nice bit of history to that building...I like the textures and arched window frames...nice shot.
July 21st, 2014  
Another amazing find in your passion with historic buildings. As always your description is exceptional. Fav
July 22nd, 2014  
This building is so interesting. I love the shape. You've captured it beautifully!
July 22nd, 2014  
How cool it still exist , the building and the advertising on the facade . Great capture and thanks for telling the interesting history.
July 22nd, 2014  
Nice piece of history
July 23rd, 2014  
@pittcj17 I know Cindy, I suppose it's the way of the world now! I was amazed it only stopped a few months ago! - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@thresheg Thank you Graham! - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@lhart Thanks Lynne - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@debbie3108 Yes it's true. Hopefully it can be effectively recycled :) - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@dolphin Haha, how wonderful! It looks like it was very hard work - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@ceilidh Thanks Margaret, I'm glad too - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@ivan Thanks Ivan, glad you like - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@monkeykid Thanks Therese - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@denisefuller Thank you Denise - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@bobhuegel Yes I did Bob! Such a shame! - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@seattlite Thank you Gloria - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@tonydebont Many thanks Tony. - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@hshdebbie Thank you Debbie - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@pyrrhula Thank you Ferry, I'm glad you like - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
@ray_milsted Thanks Raymond - Lucy
July 24th, 2014  
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