Piccadilly Circus (La Sorties des theatres)

This print of Piccadilly Circus is one in a series of 21 etchings by the French satirical artist Charles Laborde. The etchings published in 'Rue et Visages de Londres' each depicts a different London landmark or scene. Here Laborde depicts the nightly scene at Piccadilly Circus as large crowds of theatregoers spill out onto the streets of the West End at the end of the evening's entertainment. In the background can be seen an illuminated Bovril sign. In 1909 Bovril had become the first company to install an electrically lit advertising sign in Piccadilly Circus.