Since the mid 19th century Soho had been an island of un-Britishness in the heart of London's West End. By the 1950s it was an exotic run-down area, offering after-hours drinking, hedonism, sexual adventure and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Artists associated with Soho came to socialise rather than to live. Francis Bacon and his artist friends were among the best known painters who frequented the district's clubs, galleries and restaurants during the 1950s.

Learn more at the event All that jazz

Further information about Soho is available through these links:

Colony Room

ICA

Nigel Henderson