Comments on: Street Life In London

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:46:53 +0000

In reply to the comment about the people not smiling, it took so long to take a photo back then, smiling would hurt the face. This is also why the people are posing, rather than natural. We rather tend to take instamatic cameras for granted, these days.
Those hats are wonderful. My 2xg grandfather, Amos Thomas Holmes, was a hatter from St George in the East… cant help but wonder if any shown here were of his making.
Wonderful pictures that tell us so much, and yet conceal so much more.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:10:59 +0000

After enlarging the “Renovo” photo, it seems that the last word on the hand is “fabric”. The other words were unclear. Certainly, the gentleman featured on the signboard seems surrounded by exotic locales, but the text is not readable, at least to me. Either way, a compelling photo.

By: Alex Knisely

Alex Knisely — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:16:44 +0000

So many different styles of men’s hats, and I know the name for not a one of them.

By: Ann Featherstone

Ann Featherstone — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:47:22 +0000

Just noticed the gloved hand in the brim of the RENOVO man’s hat!

By: Ann Featherstone

Ann Featherstone — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:41:45 +0000

Possibly RENOVO – a patent cleaner of gloves, furs, silks, etc.

By: Peter Holford

Peter Holford — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 19:58:32 +0000

These are precious photos as they are so much older than the usual ones that we know from the turn of the century. Some are obviously posed but they still show so much of fashions(?) and the backdrop to everyday life. The ‘Cheap Fish of St Giles’ photo amuses me. Much is made of the boy being only 3′ 10″ and yet nobody else in the photo really towers over him – they may just about top the 5 foot mark! I have a group photo with my grandfather in it from about 1925 and he was much taller than the rest but according to his records from WWI he was only 5′ 7″. When I started working in Oldham in 1974 it was much the same and I used to get stared at being 6′ 3″. I guess the Welfare State is the difference!

Thank you, GA

By: Cynthia Altoriso

Cynthia Altoriso — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 16:52:03 +0000

I am fascinated by the poster ‘RENOVO’.
I did a quick google but nothing came up apart from some sort of enegy company that still exists now.

Please can you tell me…WHO or WHAT is Renovo as pictured on the poster?
What is being sold?

In appreciation to any enlightenment you can share.

Regards,
Cynthia

By: Sue

Sue — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:44:34 +0000

Wonderful selection of characters.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:49:18 +0000

Without a doubt, one of my favorite postings by The Gentle Author. (and that’s saying a mouthful).
I know that “comparisons are odious” (and unnecessary) — but these astounding photos remind me a bit of the work of American photographer Walker Evans. In both cases, we are presented with unguarded depictions of street vendors and all of their accompanying tenacity and frailties. It’s impossible to look away, and I was drawn into their world. As an appreciator of History of Costume, this added an extra layer of fascination for me — the huckster’s garb has a “found object” quality to it. Another expression of their resiliency, maybe. I know I will always find something valuable, fascinating, and insightful here — Many thanks. (and sign me up for the time travel tour to the West End)

By: Linda Granfield

Linda Granfield — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:23:28 +0000

Yes, the built-up shoes of the Street Doctor, called to me as well. Both shoes ‘platformed’–one leg obviously shorter than the other, both needing special attention. I cannot imagine spending all day walking those cobbled streets in such shoes and wonder what other ailments the Doctor had.

Not a smile to be seen–even the harpist’s audience is sober. (perhaps it’s better we not see the dental situation!)

Makes me grateful for what I have and for what my ancestors didn’t have and yet persevered.
thank you!