Some products that have today all but disappeared were once such a part of everyday life that they were advertised everywhere.
This photo of Lea Bridge Road at the junction with High Road, Leyton, at Bakers Arms, 1956, shows a billboard for Swan Vestas - 'The Smoker's Match' and friend of the housewife and anyone who wanted a match they could strike off a brick. (Image courtesy of Vestry House Museum picture archive.)
Cigarette advertising has been banned for decades, and the need for matches to light the oven has also fallen away.
Also in the picture are Barclays Bank on the left, the London Area Boot Co. Ltd (Shoes of Quality) and a shop that may be called Mr Winger.
Here is the same spot in 2019. A betting shop has replaced the shoe shop.
There are not even any road markings in this picture of Kings Road, Chingford, beyond the rail bridge in 1930. It is possible the road is not even surfaced with asphalt but may be packed stones.
Look closely and there is a row of houses in the distance. (Image courtesy of Vestry House Museum picture archive.)
The same corner in 2019 is far more built up - and a lot less interesting!
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