1951 saw the Festival of Britain sweep London’s South Bank, a national event celebrating modern architecture. It attracted 8.5 million people who visited the main Festival site on London's South Bank and the events held in cities and towns across the country.

It kick-started a revolution in interior design and served as a catalyst for redevelopment in the areas hardest hit by wartime bombing, particularly urban centres.

While mid-century modern architecture was more typically associated with the United States, Britain developed its own version, inspired by America and closer neighbours Denmark and Sweden.

The countries promoted their architecture and design outputs in British publications, inspiring British architects to travel to Europe to further explore their work.

Fascinating vintage photos give a rare look into British home life in the 1950s