Sir Joshua Reynolds, Great Newport Street 1961

This authentic 1960s colour photograph captures the historic facade of 5 Great Newport Street in 1961, famous as the former residence and studio of the renowned portrait painter Sir Joshua Reynolds. Reynolds lived and worked in this house from 1753 until 1761, a period often described as the “dawn of his splendour” when he established his reputation among London’s elite before moving to Leicester Square. The image shows the building’s traditional brick exterior and sash windows, with a commemorative plaque visible on the wall. By the early sixties, the ground floor housed “The Arts’ Printers,” whose bold red and white signage is displayed above the entrance. To the left, part of a traditional shopfront for “F. Vivares” or similar heritage premises can be seen, while the street reflects the quiet, narrow character of this historic Soho thoroughfare. This digital download is a significant record of London’s artistic and architectural history, perfect to print for yourself as a piece of vintage urban wall art.