Municipal Lewisham's first presence in Catford was in 1875 when the Town Hall was built. The very top of its tower can be seen over the roof of the painting's main subject, Lewisham Theatre.

Lewisham Theatre (previously Concert Hall) was built in 1932. The old town Hall was replaced by new buildings in the 1960s and 1970s.

To the left of this view is St Lawrences Church, itself demolished and replaced by more municipal offices, Lawrence House, in 1990.