Creative studio Rude is developing London Firsts, a collection of bespoke illustrations celebrating the people, places and ideas behind significant firsts in the capital
The series will offer a collectible illustrated portrait of London, exploring the city’s history through its experiments in living, loving, eating, playing, building and making. Each artwork will interpret a location or moment that helped shape the city, accompanied by a short story explaining its significance and lasting influence.
The proposed collection spans a diverse range of subjects, from Moka Bar in Soho, recognised as London’s first espresso bar in 1953, and the early openly queer social club The Caravan Club, to The Rom in Hornchurch, one of Britain’s first purpose-built skateparks. Other subjects include the Alpha Food Reform Restaurant, Lollard Street Adventure Playground, Boundary Estate, The Electric on Portobello Road, Balfron Tower, The Pioneer Club and the Astoria/Rainbow music venue in Finsbury Park.
Designed and illustrated by Rude, the artwork draws on the visual language of mid-century travel posters and screenprints, using bold colour, simplified forms, texture and human detail. The series will also explore the role of memory, including places that have since disappeared.
Potential product formats include prints, calendars, maps, greeting cards, tote bags and tea towels.
