3-086-555 - Ware in the World/Heritage Images

County Hall, South Bank, London, 1950s. The London County Council was established in 1889, and the construction of purpose-built offices began in 1909. County Hall was opened by George V in 1922, though building continued beyond that date. It was later the headquarters of the Greater London Council, and now houses the London Aquarium. The Millennium Eye has since been erected adjacent to the building. County Hall stands at the eastern end of Westminster Bridge. Dolphin lamp standards provide electric light along much of the Thames Embankment. Two stylised dolphins or sturgeons writhe around the base of a standard lamp post, supporting a fluted column bearing electric lights in an opaque white globe, topped by a metal crown. The lamp posts were designed by George John Vulliamy and modelled by Charles Henry Driver, architect of the Victoria Embankment wall and river stairs.