Two icons of their day appear in this 1963 photograph of Renfrew Street - Sean Connery as James Bond, and the motor scooter. Advertising billboards reflect contemporary trends. Connery, Bond and most of the products advertised have survived well beyond the 1960s. Sadly, the Alhambra Theatre has not, closing in 1969.
The mid-1960s was the heyday of Mods and Rockers. These rival gangs of youths frequently hit the headlines with violent clashes at seaside resorts (including some on the Clyde coast) on public holidays. One of the trademarks of the sharp-suited Mods was the scooter, their preferred means of transport. This distinguished them from the Rockers, who dressed in leather and preferred to travel by motor cycle. The Vespa Centre shown here could be assured of a steady supply of custom from aspiring Mods.
Reference: Glasgow City Archives, D-PL 2/1/1962
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
007, advertisements, Alhambra Theatre, billboards, films, From Russia with Love, James Bond, Mods, movies, Princess Pocohontas, scooters, theatres, Vespa Centre, Vespas