Aparthotel uncovers archive depicting 1960s business life

Birmingham apartment hotel Staying Cool at Rotunda has unearthed an archive of images showing Mad Men-style business life in the city in the late 1960s.

The James A. Roberts photography archive gives a fascinating insight into the daily routine of the Birmingham-born post-war architect, who designed the iconic Rotunda and based his studios and offices in the top floor of the building after it was completed in 1965.

Staying Cool came across the archive at the Library of Birmingham while delving into Rotunda's history for its Creative Heights events - a year of Birmingham art, design, food and literature to celebrate the company's 15 years in the city.

The hotel's stylish 1960s-themed apartments and penthouses are in the same space once occupied by Roberts' team of designers and architects and this can be seen in the curvature of the walls and windows on some of the images.

The pictures - shared with permission from the Library of Birmingham - show busy studios with blueprints being prepared in a stylish setting. The fashions of the day with beehive haircuts and slim-fit suits are evident, while the interior fittings could have come straight from a Terence Conran catalogue.

Tracey Stephenson, co-founder and joint managing director of Staying Cool, said: “Coming across the images was such an exciting find. They could be straight out of an episode of hit US TV show Mad Men and you almost expect Donald Draper to be waiting in reception for his Rotunda meeting.

“Thanks so much to Stacey Barnfield and the Library of Birmingham archivists who helped transfer the images from print to digital for them to be shared during our Creative Heights programme and to be enjoyed today.”

Click here for future Staying Cool Creative Heights events featuring art, literature, food & drink.

Pictured: James A. Roberts, architect, in a meeting at Rotunda Birmingham

(Images courtesy: Library of Birmingham Archives)