One is also caused to wonder whose were the artistic hands who drew the wonderfully detailed illustrations which are so much more evocative of that long gone and much mourned period of great architectural diversity than any mere photographs could ever be.

GA, such an impressive array of enterprises in the late Victorian period. Each is shown to best advantage, of course, with nothing said about any environmental damage these trades might incur, particularly the “pharmaceutical chemist” and the “hides, skins, leather” firm in Bermondsey.

I also had to look up “comestible” (foods) and “perruquier” (basically a creator/stylist of wigs).

Good show!

I, too, wonder if the GA could provide ‘now’ photos for any of these buildings?

I’m also wondering if all of those silver pieces had to be removed from the windows every evening? There are two constables in the illustration–perhaps there was a night-watch, as well, to make sure massive theft didn’t occur?

A ‘mourning house’ catalogue would be very interesting to see!
Thank you, as ever.