Comments on: People Of Wonderful London

By: Mark Loveday

Mark Loveday — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:11:38 +0000

I am not convinced that our streets have been subjected to a wreaking ball driven by profit, as much as they were subject to the German Airforce in WWII.

By: Clunking Fist

Clunking Fist — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:46:00 +0000

Even the chimney sweep wore a jacket and collar. I always wonder where did the low paid got their clothing: hand-me-downs/second hand from the middle classes, or were the garments a lower quality/cheaper version of the “real thing”?

By: Caroline Gilfillan

Caroline Gilfillan — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 19:32:09 +0000

These are such beautiful photographs. I mourn the slow demolition of our city by the wrecking ball of profit, profit, profit. Oh, I know that these people are long dead, and their occupations, but music in the street was not policed in living memory, and those who got by via scavenging were not criminalised and sanitised. Thanks, again, The Gentle Author.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 15:56:38 +0000

Yes, these are dignified portraits. Though the harpist is amusingly grumpy-looking. Perhaps wandering about with a harp was rather a chore.

What’s more amazing is the quiet smiles of pride on so many of the faces of these hard working people, like the District Messenger.

By: Linda Granfield

Linda Granfield — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:17:18 +0000

I wondered what some of the jobs entailed, like other commenters.
Did people have the money to buy meat for their cats? (sorry if a stupid question!)

The balancing act of the telephone cable man makes me think of the famous shots of the builders high atop New York’s skyscrapers–oblivious to the vast height!

thank you, as always, for the glimpse into the past

By: Annie S

Annie S — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:13:32 +0000

Love the Telephone Cable man – no safety harnesses in those days!

By: nicola baird

nicola baird — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:13:40 +0000

Great collection – i’d like to know though what a carman did? He seems to be with a horse. Thanks. Nicola

By: neal nicholls

neal nicholls — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 10:18:44 +0000

The Harpist looks very nasty.

By: Peter Holford

Peter Holford — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 09:28:25 +0000

I’ve got one or two carmen in my family tree so it’s good to see an example. The escapologist looks like Peter Cook to me – uncanny.

By: Suzanne Keyte

Suzanne Keyte — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 08:47:11 +0000

Wonderful photos – thank you but I’m a bit puzzled by the ‘Cats’ Meat Man’ – was there really such a person who provided meat for cats?