Black Cat Cigarette Factory

This sketch by Grace Golden depicts an elevated view of a street in Mornington Crescent, North London. On the right is the rear of the Carreras Cigarette Factory, an elaborate art deco structure modelled on an Egyptian temple. 'Black Cat' was the company's best known brand of cigarette. The building was restored in 1999 and renamed Greater London House.

Golden's real focus, however, is the crowd thronging the street. Although Golden drew numerous views of densely-populated London streets, her artistic output was strikingly varied. Born in East London, she lived and worked in the city all of her life. A book illustrator and wood engraver, Golden annotated a number of publications, including 'Old Bankside' in 1951, which she also wrote.

This view is comparable to other animated street scenes by Golden in the Museum's collection. The Museum holds an extensive archive of Golden's works, including her notebooks and posters.