Remember me posting some of the working girl cards that they used to put in the London red telephone boxes advertising their different services, well now I've found an authoritative book on the subject. I was out shopping recently and spotted "Tart Cards" as per the below cover. I think the title says it all.
The book is well written amusing and informative of London's darker side. It's packed with tart cards, some from around 25 years ago.
"Printed cards in telephone boxes appeared in London during the 1980's when a loophole in the law meant they were not, strictly speaking, illegal". "The practice of placing cards was known as carding. It is a particularly English phenomenon specific to London and seaside resort around Brighton and Hove. For the printers who were prepared to take the risk they represented a very regular and lucrative business."
Here's a few photos from the book. It also has an amusing glossary of technical terms and vernacular phrases that are often found on the London tart cards.
Map of the London Underground, the tube stop names have been changed to reflect the services of the London working girls.
Love or hate them, I would have to say the tart cards are definitely a part of London's history.
Ronnie
xx
