London -- Franco-British Exhibition

The White City built on 140 acres in west London included 120 buildings and 20 pavilions, an elaborate outdoor bandstand with seating in the gardens, and a stadium for the 1908 Summer Olympics. Exhibitions were staged in the summer months every year starting in 1908, first partnering Britain and France for a celebration of industry, culture and empire. In 1909 the Second Imperial International included Russia; in 1910 a Japanese-British exhibition was held. In 1911 the focus shifted to the coronation of George V, with featured themes being the British empire, monarchy, commercial and industrial power. In the following year, 1912, the summer event celebrated ties between Latin America and Britain, and the last great event in 1914 honored the Anglo-American relationship.

During World War I the site was used for training troops and during World War II the buildings were converted for parachute manufacturing. In the years between the wars the site was used for a British Industries fair. The stadium built for the 1908 Olympics was used for racing greyhounds until it was demolished in 1985. In 1949 the BBC bought some of the property for its first Television Centre

Persons associated with the property include: Imre Kiralfy (developer of White City and stadium grounds, 1907-1908).