Snapshots of a Shabby and Grimy London in 1978

Wimpy on junction of Old Compton St and Moor Street, London 1978

Wimpy on junction of Old Compton St and Moor Street, London 1978

 

In 1978 a Dutch couple Ed Sijmons and his partner Louise visited London. Pointing their cameras away from the usual tourist sites the photographs show a real albeit rather dirty and shabby capital still struggling to escape from the seventies recession.

London 1978

Upper Tachbrook Street, the shops have now gone.

 

Singer Vogue, Humber Sceptre and Morris Traveller, London 1978

Singer Vogue, Humber Sceptre and Morris Traveller, London 1978

 

London

Electric Milk Express Greencoat Place now demolished, 1978

 

Bookseller on Rochester Row in 1978, the shop has now gone.

Bookseller on Rochester Row in 1978, the shop has now gone.

 

London 1978

LADIES (and pub The Duchess of Clarence) Rochester Row, junction with Vauxhall Bridge Rd, 1978

 

BEDFORD VAN Mister curly top- Diploma ices, London 1978

BEDFORD VAN Mister curly top- Diploma ices, London 1978

 

London 1978

BEDFORD VAN Mister curly top – Diploma ices

 

Evening News Bedford Van

Evening News Bedford Van

 

Red Arrow bus in Victoria Street, London 1978.

Red Arrow bus in Victoria Street, London 1978.

 

Austin Taxi near Wilton Road SW1, London 1978

Austin Taxi near Wilton Road SW1, London 1978

 

Michelin Building at Fulham Road, corner of Lucan Place, London 1978.

Michelin Building at Fulham Road, corner of Lucan Place, London 1978.

 

Hamley's on Regent Street, 1978

Hamley’s on Regent Street, 1978

 

Cheshire Street, by Louise LH, 1978

Cheshire Street, by Louise LH, 1978

 

Cheshire Street, by Louise LH, 1978

Cheshire Street, by Louise LH, 1978

 

Cheshire Street, by Louise LH, 1978

Cheshire Street, by Louise LH, 1978

 

Berwick Street market 1978

Berwick Street market 1978

Ed Sijmons’ fascinating photographs can be found at his wonderful Flickr site.

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