Comments on: David Truzzi-Franconi’s East End

By: Jill

Jill — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 08:25:27 +0000

Enthralled by these photos of humanity of (for me) a time not long ago.

(Always always enjoy readers comments)
Thanks Gentle Author

By: Cherub

Cherub — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:14:23 +0000

The photos of the alcoholics, meths drinkers and rough sleepers really distress me. My father was born in Belfast in 1917 and he used to tell me about seeing people like this in the back streets of Belfast as a young man. It was one of the reasons he always donated to the Salvation Army when they were out door knocking or collecting in pubs. He used to say every one of them had a reason for being in those circumstances. and you should never kick people who are down on their luck, wise words.

I am not religious, but to this day I give to the Salvation Army both in Switzerland and Britain, it reminds me of my father. Where I am based it Switzerland they run 2 hostels along the Rhein for men and women and they help assist young women leave a life of prostitution in the red light district. In Britain I give so poor, distressed and lonely people can at least have some food and comfort, especially at Christmas when they may feel nobody cares.

By: achim

achim — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:52:44 +0000

Fascinating and sad at the same time. I think that these poor people were just more visible in those days. Today they still exist, but they are more or less invisible.

From a photographic point of view, these black and white images are of course brilliant. Thank you!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:51:31 +0000

Oh, the story telling aspect of these photos! OK, bear with me. After spending quite a lot of time looking at the man at the piano, and the lady sitting on the beach ………. patience, patience, …….I’ve decided they will make a loving pair. He will serenade her, and she will have someone to talk to.

The humanity of these photos provoked many reactions, and I couldn’t help but root for every person in every frame. Amazing composition, contrast, lighting —- and incredible stories.

Thank you, GA, for shining a light.

By: Mathilde Grange

Mathilde Grange — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 09:35:16 +0000

Magnificent moving pictures of a past era. Perhaps the saddest may be those of the street performers standing on their boxes or stool. The meth drinkers, yes, but any addiction is awful to see.

By: Christine Swan

Christine Swan — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 06:48:14 +0000

Another fascinating but slightly depressing set of photographs. My dad often used to speak to the meths drinkers when he was working at night. He was fascinated as to how they got to be where they were. Many had held successful jobs until they lost them, marriage breakdown, PTSD and all sorts of other reasons led them to that place. Meths mixed with Tizer seemed to be the tipple of choice in his experience. I don’t know what services were available to attempt to rehabilitate people but meths has a devastating effect on the body. These lost souls found their kind and at least this gave them some companionship.