Barnet holds an impressive collection of topographical views that portrays the inspiring landscape known as the Northern Heights. Out of sixty paintings, half are by Childe Pocock and M. L. Davison in the period 1900–1930s when even then, the area was still relatively undeveloped. Except for the phenomenal growth of aeronautics in the early twentieth century there was little industry, progressing as a residential area on the edge of London that adds a touch of sentimentality to its lost past. The collection compliments its function as a historical resource, one that local people were concerned to record and contribute to. The area represents five authorities that were merged as the Borough of Barnet but the one outstanding feature conveyed through the images, is the feeling of being a special place.