This postcard’s over-amped application of colour (despite the “natural” tag on the back) contrasts deeply with the dowdiness of the buildings and the appearances of the inhabitants of the Swinging London über strasse on a summer’s day in 1966.
The disconnect – between projected lifestyle and everyday reality – sums up the 60s.
On the left is Warren Gold’s fashion emporium Lord John, which was decorated in early psychedelic style by art squad Binder Edwards & Vaughan – read more about the design antics of Dudley Edwards and his colleagues Doug Binder and David Vaughan here.
And continuing the 60s painting and decorating theme of today’s post on THE LOOK, here’s a shot of Edwards at work on the commission, as well as a detail by the photographer credited as CE Fudge (whose chronicling of buildings in that decade is celebrated here).
Steve E
August 17, 2011 at 7:59 amNot sure there was that much of a disconnect, Paul.
I remember looking down Oxford Street in 1966 from the vantage point of the Dominion, and it seemed to me (as a nine year old) that it was a riot of colour, with World Cup Willie banners and Union Jacks.fluttering under crystal-blue skies.
There again, my memories of that entire decade are blissful.
Paul Gorman Author
August 17, 2011 at 8:12 amEach to our own Steve.
The quote about the 60s which aligns with my experience is from Paul Du Noyer’s Wondrous Place.
He writes something along the lines of: “In the Summer of Love I too wore exotic garb and chanted to wafts of incense; I was an altar boy at our local church…”
Steve E
August 17, 2011 at 8:58 amI was an altar boy, too!
Curiously, my recollections of Carnaby Street during that era are as much about the smell of the place as the sights and the sounds. All the shops seemed to have an exotic atmosphere – maybe it was patchouli oil or dope. Whatever, it was nothing like the local newsagents.
Toni Brockwell
January 3, 2012 at 8:58 pmHi, I am trying to locate anyone who worked at Lord John in the 60’s who might remember someone who worked there, his name is John Brockwell.
Toni
Paul Gorman Author
January 4, 2012 at 5:37 pmHi Toni
I believe Dave Shimeld worked at LJ in the mid-60s – can try + get a message to him. Best. PG
Toni
September 23, 2013 at 7:16 pmHi Paul
Any help in trying to locate john bRockwell would be appreciated.
Toni