Picadilly Circus, 1915

Bone, Muirhead, Sir, 1876-1953 · 1915

A view of Piccadilly Circus as seen by night from the Quadrant, with the County Fire office on the left, the Pavilion near the middle, and the Criterion to the right, beyond Mr. Alfred Gilbert's fountain. The Circus is full of traffic, among the most conspicuous objects being a motor car stationed near the kerb on the left, and a mounted soldier advancing towards Regent Street on the right. The sky is very dark, but is crossed by the rays of searchlights while a strong light is thrown downwards from the electric street lamps, which have their tops obscured in accordance with the special war regulations which prevailed during the winter of 1914-15. The lower line of the frame has been completed, and is crossed by several short vertical lines both to left and right of the hat. The right shoulder of the chauffeur has been re-touched.