How much is lost to human memory in a relatively short time! It is hard to imagine that 100 years ago someone would take a 4" x 5" glass negative image of a busy street in the heart of London and a collector today cannot, no matter how much effort expended, tell anyone where it was taken – or find anyone who can.
You might assume that a pair of two-story columns that carry the name Ontario set in this wide thoroughfare, and a series of smaller columns crowned with sculpture and adorned with wreaths and garlands, would provide all one would need to get the answer. You would be wrong. No online search of Ontario, the date (1911), monuments, street names, has turned up any images or descriptions to verify that what you see before your eyes actually ever existed. Today it is a matter of no apparent historical importance.
Of course, as steeped in English history as I may be, not being an citizen of Great Britain or having the benefit of lifelong exposure to the published trivia of the 20th century there, perhaps I should not be surprised. I have accustomed myself to having the wealth of far more arcane knowledge at my computer keyboard fingertips, so I am unreasonably frustrated when what I want to know does not appear before my eyes. Spoiled, no? [In case you don't recognize it, this is the textual equivalent of a lying down, kicking, screaming tantrum]
I am transported in time by this image. I am virtually certain it is not a figment of my imagination. If you can shed some light – and I am sure someone can – I would be eternally grateful.
What we see and know: Signs on the side of the bus advertise the Coronation Exhibition (George V) at the Great White City exhibition grounds (covering 140 acres at Shepherd's Bush) making 1911 the date; it is the Victoria - Hampstead Heath route going to Malden Road, Tottenham Road, Charing Cross, Whitehall, and Victoria Station; also advertisements for Heinz Baked Beans and Pears Soap. The large wagon with canvas cover reads Rose's Lime Juice (still available today). The Hansom cab has a top-hatted driver sitting high above the traffic.
NOTE December 15, 2009: I promised (above) to be "eternally grateful" if someone would identify the streetscape above – and now an accommodating Londoner has done just that! See the comment below. I knew that the right person would happen along and it has been sooner rather than later. Thank you! [A knowledgeable reader from Scotland did the same for me a few months ago, identifying an Edinburgh street in this Streetscape section]