Barman Gallery

In the cocktail bar at Ciros Grill

Well-known personalities of the day caricatured by George Whitelaw in the cocktail bar at Ciro's Grill, one of the premier nightspots in London in the early part of the 20th century. On the left, two stage favourites, Leslie Henson and Ernest Truex, busy exchanging yarns; in the centre, General Nevile Campbell, C.M.G., and Sir William Bull, Bart., M.P., the Chairman of the London Unionist M.P.s, and a protagonist of the Channel Tunnel, discussing the menu with Jelmini (presumably the manager or mae d'). On the right is a glimpse of Nick Prinsep, brother of Tony Prinsep the well-known theatrical manager, and Anita Elson, who was playing in Lucky Girl at the London Pavilion at the time. Behind the bar, the two dispensers of Ciro's special aperitifs are seen shaking up a new one. Date: 1929

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Our Flying Clubs No. 1 - Brooklands Aero Club

A view of the modern clubhouse of Brooklands Aero Club, the first in a series of illustrations and caricatures by Mel, documenting the rising popularity of aviation both as a sport and a reasonable form of transportation abroad. Notable members of the club pictured here include the manager, A. Percy Bradley, Ian Stoddart-Barr, Sales Manager, Billy Massey, one of the directors in charge of the repair shop, Capt. H. Duncan Davis, Managing Director, Bob the barman (important!), Ginger Ruutz-Rees, K. Mistinger, S. A Thorne, instructor and acrobatic pilot, Flight Lieut W. E. P. Johnson a prominent exponent of blind flying and the chief instructor, George E. Lowdell. Date: 1932

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

The poet Baldini drinking in Melosi's bar (chalk, pen & ink and wash on paper)

CH451427 The poet Baldini drinking in Melosi's bar (chalk, pen & ink and wash on paper) by Mola, Pier Francesco (1612-66); 19.7x26.6 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Sebastiano Baldini (1615-85) satirical Roman poet and librettist;); Photo A© Christie's Images; Italian, out of copyright

© © Christie's Images / Bridgeman Images