The Way We Were
London, Winter 1963
‘London, the world’s most vibrant, colourful and exciting Metropolis,’ a 1963 newsreel might have screamed. ‘And nowhere is this great city’s nightlife more bustling than in Leicester Square. But hang on chummy, where are all the people? Surely they can’t all be camera shy!’
Indeed. With the exception of some distant shoppers, there are just two people in this shot, who look like they’re either contemplating why they bought that Austin A40, or whether they should steal it.
The lit-up party palace at the top of the picture across the road from the right-hand parade of cars is a branch of shoe store, Dolcis, that was once seen on most high streets. Cynics may well have wondered if there was some sort of supply agreement between this establishment and the neighbouring Angus Steakhouse, such was the infamous toughness of the latter’s fare at the time.
Presumably some of these vehicles’ owners would be enjoying the smoky and slightly damp warmth of the Empire Cinema, built as a theatre in 1884, but showing films from 1928. This is still with us, as is the wonderful but out-of-shot masterpiece that is the Leicester Square Odeon.
Now to the eclectic collection of cars, all of which would surely have to move shortly as they were under the unsympathetic auspices of parking meters. These were introduced to London in 1958 and were about as popular among motorists as a swarm of wasps.
Nearest to us in the left hand row are part of a Mini, a Hillman Minx Series I or II, with a London registration, two Austin A40s, one with a stickon heated rear window, and an almost new Hillman Imp – wonder how the owner was getting on with the pneumatic throttle in London traffic? Then we have another Mini, a Standard Ten or Pennant and a Hillman Husky.
Over the road, there are Ford Anglia 105Es, a Standard Vanguard Phase III, then two BMC ADO16s, the nearest to us being an MG 1100.
Then we have a Ford Consul MkII, Wolseley 1500, Mini and a two-tone Rover P5. Next there’s a Hillman Minx, before we reach the rather glorious Jaguar MkV. This would have been at least 12 years old by now, but still giving reasonable handling and, in 3.5-litre form, plenty of power.
Finally, there’s a pre-Farina Austin A55 and a Minx Series III.
But look what’s next! An Alfa Romeo Gilulietta Berlina, built from 1955 to 1964, a 1290cc four-door saloon offered on the British market and an excellent all-rounder.
British glamour next, in the form of a Vauxhall PA Cresta and ‘Big Farina’ Austin A99 or A110.
Then there’s another Consul MkII and a further PA, which, even from this distance, looks rather tatty. A Ford 100E and a Mini complete the line-up near the hot-dog stand.
Sadly we can’t identify the ‘ghost’ car scurrying towards us (the photographer must have needed a long camera exposure for this night shot). Finally, around the corner we can see a Duple-bodied coach, almost certainly on a Bedford chassis.
A visit to the area today shows that not a single lamppost, phone box or other piece of street furniture survives. Only trees are there to tell the tale. The square was pedestrianised in the 1980s and has undergone several makeovers.
The building from which the picture was taken now houses a McDonald’s and a Lego shop. Across the road, just out of shot in the original picture and standing on the site of the famous Swiss Centre, is M&M’s world – four floors dedicated to the Mars-made confectionery.
Dolcis is now an ice-cream parlour and Crest Gift shop, with a branch of Simit Sarayi – ‘the world’s favourite café bakery’ – on its way.
Still we have one magnificent British institution remaining that proudly spans the years – the Angus Steakhouse!
‘Parking meters, introduced in 1958, were about as popular as a swarm of wasps’