Signed and dated 1933 l.r.; signed, inscribed with title and the artist address on the stretcher

Oil on canvas

101.5 by 72 cm., 39 ½  by 28 ¼ in.

Exhibited: Royal Institute of Painters in Oil, Autumn 1933;  Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery, The Cole Family, Painters of the English Landscape, 1838-1975,1988 no.124

Literature: T.J.Barringer, The Cole Family: Painters of the English Landscape 1838-1975, Portsmouth City Museums 1988, p.158-159, p.163 (no.124)

Tim Barringer (op cit) refers to Lights o’London as “the most impressive work in a series of London night scenes that Cole produced during the 1930s”. Whistlerian in its arrangement of harmony and tone this fine nocturne gives us an unusual backstreet glimpse into the glamorous world of inter-war London life. The view down Glasshouse Street, allowing us a glance at the north eastern edge of Piccadilly Circus is relatively unchanged. The Bodega bar is now The Glassblower Tavern whilst the Café Royal Brasserie, the sign to which is lit up on the right hand side of the painting is still there today as part of the Hotel Café Royal on the other side of the same block on Regent Street.