On this day 100 years ago, 15 December 1925, it was announced that a site called Oaklands in Borehamwood had been acquired for eight studios to be built near Elstree Station by British National Pictures Ltd — led by JD Williams and Herbert Wilcox.
A year of building works led to the studio officially opening on 28 December 1926. Within a year both founders would have left the studio, with John Maxwell, their legal council, taking charge until his untimely death in 1940. The studio still exists and operates today as Elstree Studios.
As official historian of the studios, we are honoured to be a part of recording and preserving its legacy for future generations; and proud to work so closely with the fantastic team who operate the studio.
Today officially makes this the centenary of the studio announcement!