Nosmo King

I only heard about Nosmo King, I never actually heard him… he was one of several people who looked at ‘No Smoking’ signs and conjured a character from the two words. The person I am thinking of had the real name of H. Vernon Watson and he was what was known as a variety artist who came to fame in the 1930’s. There was also, apparently an American radio announcer who was born Paul Shannon in 1909, who used the same alter ego, and very much later in the time of Northern Soul, the amazing and vibrant music which came from northern England in the 1960’s, 70’s and early 80’s, there was Stephen Jameson of the band the Javelles, who called himself that. There was also a Dutch band with the same name in the 80’s and 90’s.

Watson was born in Peterborough, as was my father,thirty odd years later. Watson was a music hall artist, who became a professional in 1911. he soon became popular and recognized for his skill as an impressionist, and became most famous for what we now would find offensive, ‘blacking up’ in impersonation of an American comedian. Watson got his name – as you might guess, from a ‘no smoking’; sign on a double door, which when opened displayed two different parts of the two words. Watson became particularly famous once his son, Jack Watson joined him in his performances. Jack Watson who was born in 1915, also in Cambridgeshire went on to become a famous and popular TV and film actor.

While on the bus yesterday I saw this no smoking sign… and what a sign of the times… it also includes a no vapping sign with it!