The postcard picture at the top of this page dates back to the late 1950s - and it is a view that remains familiar to this day.

The Watford Observer has again teamed up with Watford Museum and is delighted to showcase some pictures from its archive – this week it is a familiar view of part of the High Street.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "This part of the High Street, between Water Lane and Queens Road, does not seem to have changed a great deal.

Watford Observer:

The High Street towards Queens Road in 1928

"Over the years, the buildings have had new shop fronts and some have had upper-storey alterations.

"Today the road is one-way and the pavements wider, but essentially the view feels the same. Even the domed entrance to Atria matches that of an earlier building on the site.

Watford Observer:

The same stretch of the High Street before the Harlequin was built

"In the past, familiar names along this part of the High Street would have been Marks and Spencer (their first store in the town), Pearkes & Sons, Chater Chemists (who were trading here as far back as 1860), Boots (which was later Ketts’ store when Boots move to the corner of Market Street), Morse jewellers, J Woodhouse, Fantos, Brentford Nylons, Waterstones and Maplins."

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No booking is necessary but Covid prevention measures are still in place to keep visitors safe.