Comments on: David Hoffman At St Botolph’s

By: Christine Swan

Christine Swan — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:31:39 +0000

I didn’t have time to really study these photographs yesterday but have done so today. The family photo, with the person’s details and a field at the bottom of the card that I just can’t read, but with the words : “Some hope.” written. Some hope of reuniting with their family? Small words with big impact.
My Dad came to know several of the regulars on his travels around the East End as a turncock with the Metropolitan Water Board. He told me that a number he spoke to had previously held professional positions but their drinking took over their lives and they fell into the pit of destitution. Maths and Tizer was the cocktail of self-destruction. Dad said the drinkers would sit on tombstones, like the ghosts of the dead, but living. Just.
I agree that these photos are moving but also significant. They definitely should be published as a body of work. Thank you GA.

By: Ros

Ros — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:47:19 +0000

Such tender photographs of so many different kinds of love and sadness, but also the happiness of the fleeting moment. The loner tucked away on a bench inside an arch with his ciggy and mug of tea is also allowed to be alone and does not look unhappy with it.

By: Val Hewson

Val Hewson — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:22:07 +0000

I forwarded today’s blog to a friend whose family played a part in St Botolph’s. Her grandfather was George Appleton who first opened up the Crypt in the late 1950s/early 1960s when he was Rector at St Botolph’s from 1957 to 1962. Her parents were married in the church by George around this time. There’s more info about George, who went on to be Archbishop of Jerusalem, at: https://en wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Appleton

By: John Campbell

John Campbell — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 18:42:28 +0000

The Christmas photo speaks volumes – so sad.
I wonder if St Botolphs was one of the shelters where John Healy took sanctuary?

By: Cherub

Cherub — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:52:51 +0000

My late father used to tell me about seeing a lot of homeless alcoholics when he was a teenager in 1930s Belfast, mainly men who were traumatised by WW1.
He told me you must never look down on them and he always used to donate to the Salvation Army. I also donate to the Salvation Army in Britain and Heiles Armee as it’s known here in German speaking Switzerland. They have local hostels down by the Rhein and as well as helping homeless they look after young women who are sadly caught up in sex work.

I was very upset to read about the lady whose cardboard shelter was run over by a lorry, so very sad that life should end like that.

By: andy

andy — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:48:36 +0000

I would like to say thank you. Humbly. For gibing these people in the photps back their dignity.
Thank you David and the Gentle Author.
What for? Remembering them and for the Vicar.

Please people never forget them. I loved them as a child. To me they were special and I wrote about them in my poems if anyone wants to read them please let me know.
When older I brought them food, when young and unafraid I sat them on building sites and in derelict buildings. None ever harmed me. I lived in Milward st then Wager st. I liked them better than authority.

By: Paul Loften

Paul Loften — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:39:33 +0000

One can jump to conclusions about people . I looked at the bottom picture and the thought immediately crossed my mind he was throwing a punch at somebody . I looked closer and saw his arm stretched in act of comforting another human in distress . The photo had caught that moment and the feeling should touch us all

By: achim

achim — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 09:10:47 +0000

United in being marginalised, people do show their dignity. The puppy and the Christmas family photo are heartbreaking….

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Di Corry

Di Corry — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 09:04:51 +0000

Such important and brilliant photographs taken by David.
What lives did these people leave behind?
Despite their circumstances, some were still smiling.
Sadly, even today some ex-Serviceman find themselves on the streets…..not much has changed.

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:37:26 +0000

These are brilliant photos and well deserved to be published in book form.

It would be fascinating to know the back stories of all the characters, and to know how they ended up living on the streets.

I found the picture of the treasured family Christmas photo particularly moving as it spoke so eloquently of all that had been lost.