Historical London photos to go on display in Moscow

Waiting in Trafalgar Square for the coronation parade of King George VI. 1937. Credit: Henri Cartier-Bresson

These photographs, which are due to go on display in an exhibition in Moscow, show London as a dynamic metropolis, richly varied and full of contrast.

The affluent upper and middle classes are documented alongside the working class and urban poor, surviving life in the city as beggars and street vendors.

Emblems of London life such as pearly kings and bowler hats are captured alongside the city’s growing cultural diversity.

Coronation of George VI, 12th May 1937. Credit: Henri Cartier-Bresson
Tram on Westminster Bridge. 1949. Credit: Rene Groebli
A couple have tea at Lyons Corner House, Tottenham Court Road, London. 1934. Credit: Wolfgang Suschitzky

The “Another London” exhibition includes images from London’s Cold War years when visiting the capital was prohibited for ordinary Russians.

Meeting in Hyde Park. 1953. Credit: Ernst Haas
London Stock Exchange, a typical young businessman. 1937. Credit: Emil Hoppe
Two girls wear Union Jack hats for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in Greenwich, 1977 Credit: Martine Franck

The exhibition, which opens on 19 February, is part of the UK-Russia year of culture organised by the British Council and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.