Battersea Power Station – Industrial Architecture and Urban Renewal in London
Battersea Power Station in London is a striking example of how photography can document the transition from industrial heritage to modern urban living. This emblematic power plant has undergone a spectacular transformation, and offers photographers a unique blend of history, architecture and creative energy.
Battersea Power Station, located on the south bank of the Thames, stands as an iconic symbol of London’s architectural evolution. Originally built in the 1930s, the former coal-fired power station is now at the heart of a vibrant district where culture, shopping, gastronomy and innovation meet.
On a personal note, I first saw Battersea in 1985 from a suburban train. I immediately recognized the building from Pink Floyd’s Animals album cover—featuring a floating inflatable pig between its chimneys. Since then, I had always dreamed of photographing it. I finally did, both handheld under dramatic skies worthy of William Turner, and with long exposures on a tripod that lasted up to five minutes, capturing the atmosphere of this extraordinary place.
Walking along the promenade beside the Thames, you can admire the four iconic white chimneys and the building’s massive silhouette. Today, it’s surrounded by sleek contemporary constructions, stylish restaurants and designer shops. The contrast is captivating, especially for architectural photographers.
As the day ends, the golden light enhances the red bricks and adds texture and depth. I focused on the strong verticals of the chimneys and the power of the composition, sometimes softening the scene with long exposures to smooth the river’s surface and blur the movement of clouds.
Inside, the renovated Battersea Power Station has become a lifestyle hub, with high-end retail, lively food halls, and a panoramic lift inside one of the chimneys. It’s a place where design, leisure, green spaces and art coexist harmoniously.
This urban renewal project is a textbook case of how industrial legacy can be integrated into modern life. You’ll meet families, artists, tourists and locals in a relaxed, almost resort-like atmosphere when the weather is fine. Photographing Battersea is about capturing this successful transformation—where memory meets energy.
If you’re passionate about architecture and urban metamorphosis, set aside a late afternoon for this spot—with your camera in hand. And for more photographic perspectives along the Thames, don’t miss this article dedicated to London views from the London Eye.
Battersea Power Station reflects the London of yesterday, today and tomorrow—a powerful photographic subject I’ll keep returning to.
Discover all my photo explorations of London in the blog section of the site, and let yourself be inspired by these captured urban moments.
Final stop of the journey: Westminster Abbey – Light and Stone
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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