Soho, London 1987-1994
A new Cafe Royal Book has just been published showcasing the work of photographer and some-time editor Tony Kearns.
London’s Soho has long been a centre for art and creativity. From Mozart to Paul McCartney, and from John Logie Baird's first demonstration of television in 1926 to its more recent role as the central hub of post-production in the United Kingdom—and arguably the world—Soho has always thrilled and fascinated me. The excitement of the 20th Century Fox building on Soho Square, the Warner Brother (De Lane Lea) sound studio on Dean Street, and the many Soho addresses of post-production facilities that frequented publications like Shots Magazine captivated me. I was drawn to the tightly knit collection of post houses, sound studios, and VFX facilities, all packed within a square mile teeming with walkups, pubs, strip clubs, and bohemian cafés.
When I arrived in London in 2011 and began working at Prime Focus on Dean Street and Old Compton Street, I wasn’t disappointed. It was exhilarating to be in a part of the city with so much individual character, and nothing beats the vibrant mix of life while sitting with a can of beer in Soho Square on a hot summer evening.
Like all areas with a rich history (and, let’s be honest, London itself), Soho never seemed as good as it was in the past. Tales of an edgier, more exciting, and more excessive time—always before you arrived—were pervasive. This is one of the reasons I’ve always loved the photography of Tony Kearns.
Tony is an accomplished editor, with credits in both drama and, historically, some of the most exciting music videos and commercials of the 1990s. I've been fortunate to count Tony as a mentor, whether tolerating my editorial ignorance as a guest lecturer in Dún Laoghaire, showing patience in the commercial suites of Windmill Lane in Dublin, or holding court in the Star and Garter in Soho. Tony has always been there to offer advice.
In addition to his editing work, Tony is a keen photographer with a wonderful collection of street photography documenting London and Dublin from the 1980s to today. I've long been a fan of his daily street photographs on Facebook and have been urging him for years to publish a book of his work. Finally, he has obliged. Next month, Tony will release a book of his photography, documenting the many street markets of London from 1987 to 1994.
Tony’s work has also been featured in two Cafe Royal Books, both published this month. His book of Soho photographs offers a fantastic look at the gritty grandeur of London’s most eccentric enclave in the 80’s and 90’s. I urge anyone interested in street photography to seek them out—they’re a wonderful collection of images.
