Remember 33 Holborn? You must watch this

Posted: January 13, 2026

IF you ever worked in the mighty Mirror building at 33 Holborn, step back in time here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWEqU8itBls

Former MGN ad man Johnnie French sent us the link, which plays a 1961 Brtish Movietone newsreel of the opening of the then revolutionary Mirror building in Holborn in 1961. It’s part of a massive collection of photos and newsreels curated by Associated Press (https://newsroom.ap.org/editorial-photos-videos).

The quality of the black and white film leaves a bit to be desired, but that all adds to the atmospherics of this 11-minute slice of precious Mirror Group history.

The commentary is dated and sounds very “old BBC”, all accent and nasal intonation, and the vehicles, clothes, hairstyles – and the moustaches – are clearly from the early 60s. But there are countless nuggets of sentimental delight. The exterior shots bring back memories, but it’s the social history which grabs the attention.

You may even recognise a few old faces! Enjoy “the building that never sleeps”.