Podcast Series: Soho Then

04 Dec 2018

On Photography

Soho Then is a photo-based podcast. Over six, themed episodes people share their memories and experiences of living and working in one of London's most notorious neighbourhoods - from the 1920s to 2000. Its aim is to capture key memories and experiences of specific Soho streets and buildings, from a personal perspective, at a time when the area is changing rapidly.

Berwick Street Market, c. 1980, Bazza / Alamy Stock Photo

Ep 1. Food and Shopping

In this episode we explore the topic of Food & Shopping in Soho's past. Claudio Mussi is our guide with contributions from former and present-day residents and workers sharing their memories of Soho from twenty or more years ago.

Photo: Leslie Hardcastle at the BFI Central Booking Agency, 164 Shaftsbury Avenue, c.1950, courtesy Leslie Hardcastle

Ep 2. Film and Cinema

In this episode we explore the topic of Film and Cinema in Soho’s past. Leslie Hardcastle and Pamela Power are our guides with contributions from former and present-day residents and workers sharing their memories of Soho from twenty or more years ago.

Teenagers in London’s Carnaby Street, 1969, The National Archives UK

Ep 3. Fashion and Tailoring

In this episode, Martyn Borovick is our guide to Soho's world of fashion and tailoring, with contributions from former and present-day residents and workers sharing their memories of Soho from twenty or more years ago.

Ebbonknee & Ruby Venezuela, La Vie En Rose, Great Windmill St, 1984, Photo courtesy Ebonknee

Ep 4. Clubs & Late Night Establishments

In this episode we explore the topic of clubs and late-night establishments in Soho’s past. Dorothea Phillips is our guide with contributions from former and present-day residents and workers sharing their memories of Soho from twenty or more years ago.

From the series London by Night, Tish Murtha, 1983, commissioned by The Photographers’ Gallery © Ella Murtha, All rights reserved Courtesy of Ella Murtha & The Photographers' Gallery (5)

Ep.5 Sex and Sexuality

In this episode we explore the topic of sex and sexuality in Soho’s past. Alex Duncan is our guide with contributions from former and present-day residents and workers sharing their memories of Soho from twenty or more years ago.

Centrepoint Hostel gate, Dean Street, 1980s, courtesy Centerpoint (in 2019 Centrepoint marks its 50th year of working to end youth homelessness)

Episode 6: Home & Homelessness

Our final Soho Then photo-based podcast will look at homes and homelessness with contributions from past and present residents, as well as hostel workers and those who experienced homelessness, sharing their memories of Soho from twenty or more years ago.

More about this project:

Soho Then Producer Clare Lynch conducted oral history interviews, over 2018 and 2019, with a range of individuals who have/have had a relationship with Soho. Many of these interviewees have also fought hard to protect Soho's buildings, to help vulnerable members of the community, and to enable visitors to have a good time when they come to Soho.

Many people still don't believe that people live here. It's about taking the front off the houses and sharing the stories inside — Clare Lynch, Soho Then Producer

These edited interviews traverse six chosen themes of: Food & Shopping; Home & Homelessness; Sex & Sexuality; Clubs & Late Night Establishments; Fashion & Tailoring and Film & Cinema

Soho Then is commissioned by The Photographers' Gallery and financially supported by The National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and #MyWestminster Fund. With thanks to National Lottery Players