Soho, London, 1960

A VERY fine original vintage 1960 GPO poster of Old Compton Street in London’s Soho district by the artist and illustrator Peter Edwards (1934-2017).

Size 92cm x 74cm

Condition  Good. There is wear at the margins – a few tears of 1cm or so and one at the bottom of 3cm, but no paper loss. The image is fully intact and the colours vibrant. If you would like to know more please get in touch.

Background  Edwards is best known as the illustrator (with his wife Gunvor) of the later Thomas the Tank Engine books. He also created covers for Graham Greene novels in the 1960s. This twilit image captures the cosmopolitan character of the famous bohemian district, with signs in French and Italian and parked cars from Belgium and France. There may also be hints at Soho's seamier side. The setting is the western end of Old Compton Street, looking towards Wardour Street, with the spire of St Anne’s church top left.

Artist Peter Edwards

Printer J & Co

Publisher General Post Office (GPO)