June 11

  #someoneofsoho

We took another walk round Soho yesterday observing increasing signs of optimism. The sadly boarded up Dean St. Town House, one of our most favourite haunts, has become the site for an open air photographic Exhibition, #someoneofsoho, featuring portraits of local residents and workers by photographer Richard Piercy.

Kettners and Bistro 1 also provide a backdrop for his dramatic and insightful work.

Richard’s pharmacy, Zest, used to be one of the delights of living in Soho, as did Richard himself. Who needed a doctor when you had him as your pharmacist?

Today, his premises wouldn’t be much use for dispensing the Covid-19 vaccine we pray is on the way:

Richard moved out, put pharmacy behind him and turned what used to be his passionate hobby into a photographic career.

He says of this exhibition,

“It’s people who make places,”

A neighbourhood’s landscape may change, but it’s humanity that defines its character.

A deserted Soho due to the pandemic lockdown has only served to heighten this. I want to re-install some humanity and positivity back to an area I have been heavily involved in for 30 years. The people featured here are just a few of the many who contribute to the character and soul of this unique pocket of London.”