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Discovering London

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Sunday, 17 April 2011

Piccadilly Circus - Spot the Difference!

Many currently available London postcards have images that may be a year or two out of date but I think this one is an outstanding example of the lazy use of stock photography!

I bought it yesterday in Piccadilly Circus from one of the souvenir stalls. It was not being sold as a retro or vintage view but was mixed in with all the other "current" (i.e. also often dated) cards.

Zoom into enjoy all the period details.

I have dated the view to 1963 or 64 by the poster for the "Circlorama Cavalcade" which was only open between these dates. In the intervening near half century so many aspects of this view have changed, that I am amazed it is still possible to sell this image to visitors who are able, simply by looking around them, to see that it bears little comparison to the place they are visiting and buying a souvenir of.

As a confessed London nerd though, I am glad that such historic images are still available and so inexpensively, four for a pound!

Does anyone know of an older available view of a London tourist attraction still being sold as current?

Labels: Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Postcard, Westminster

: Name: Peter Berthoud; Location: Pimlico, London, United Kingdom

I have loved London all my life. For the past few years I have been lucky enough to live right near the centre. I am a Qualified City of Westminster Guide and offer walking tours both private and public. Please email me if you would like me to organise something special for you or your organisation.

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