Among the figures depicted on the mural, which has been in place for 35 years, are Mozart, William Blake, Casanova, Karl Marx, and the ‘Empress of Pleasure’ Teresa Cornelys
Soho is one of the most vibrant areas of London. Once home to members of the aristocracy, in the 20th century it gained a reputation as a den of vice and the centre of the capital’s sex industry. Today it is filled with diverse independent restaurants, bars, and music venues.
And the amazing story of Soho is told in an incredible mural – complete with a moving section – at one of the busiest junctions in the area. The Spirit of Soho was installed at the junction of Carnaby Street and Broadwick Street between 1989 and 1991 and features important figures and locations from the area from throughout history.
Jack Chesher of social media account Living London History recently posted a video shining a light on the mural, in which he explained its history and significance. Speaking in the clip on Instagram, he said: “Have you ever spotted this giant mural in Soho? It’s called the Spirit of Soho, and if you catch it at the right time, it even has an animated element to it involving Karl Marx, a can of Coke, and Casanova.
“The mural dates from 1991 and was executed by a team of artists working alongside the local community. The female figure represents St Anne because of the local parish church of St Anne’s. In her skirt is a map of the streets of Soho, with recognisable landmarks such as Liberty’s, Chinatown, and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Bar.”
Liberty is an iconic department store housed in a Grade II-listed Tudor building, which first opened in 1875, while Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Bar is a world-famous club which first opened in 1959. Iconic figures including Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Amy Winehouse all took the stage throughout their careers.
Jack continued, explaining the mural features more than 40 characters from Soho’s history, including Romantic Age artist and poet William Blake, and John Logie Baird, inventor of the television. There is also an image of a dog and a hare, which dates back to Soho’s history as hunting grounds, where “So Ho!” was often heard as a hunting cry.
Other figures Jack points out include a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who came to London with his family in 1764 aged eight, and stayed on Frith Street, and Karl Marx, who lived on Dean Street from 1850 to 1856 with his family.
He also shines a light on an image of Teresa Cornelys, describing her as “a famous 18th century opera singer, impresario, and courtesan, who would host lavish and scandalous parties at Carlisle House on Soho Square”.
He continued: “She became known as the ‘Empress of Pleasure’ or the ‘Queen of Masquerades’. And finally, her suspected one-time lover and father of one of her children, Casanova, author, diplomat, and one of the most famous lovers in history.
“On the hour the mechanics kick in and Casanova blows kisses, Teresa winks, and Karl Marx takes a sip from a can of Coca-Cola, I guess to poke fun at Marx, depicting him sipping from one of the ultimate symbols of global corporate capitalism.”
Concluding his video, Jack said: “So there we have it, when you’re next in the area, make sure to go and check it out.”
People on Instagram were fascinated by the clip, with many saying they hadn’t ever properly looked at it, despite visiting Soho often. One said: “Fascinating! I remember it being painted as I worked in Wardour Street for 20 years.”
Another wrote: “I’ve seen it but didn’t realise what happens when the clock reaches the hour, another visit required me thinks.” And someone else said: “Of all the times I’ve been to Soho how could I possibly have missed this? Thank you so much for this post. I will definitely check it out next month.”
A different user commented: “I’ve worked on Dean Street for four years and never knew this was there, I need to get out of the office more!”
