Comments on: John Claridge’s East End Shops

By: Ian silverton

Ian silverton — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:38:53 +0000

Had shoes made in that Shoe Makers in Brick Lane, 1959 cost 6 UK pounds think? Had to return them week later, as a nail had passed into the heal. But he repaired as waited for them, winkle pickers with roll top slip-on, thought they looked the bees knees, in Barry’s in Mare Street on Friday Night, Mohair Suited and booted. Never went back though, moved on to Mr Lobbs Mayfair. East End Boys Memories.

By: John Venes

John Venes — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:26:59 +0000

It is, of course, good to look back and remember those times.
However, my feeling is one of sadness at what we have lost.
I lived in Bethnal Green at the same time as John was taking his photos.
I had the same experiences which he mentions.
Yes, it was a run down area but it had warmth.
Now, a lot of the old characters have gone and it is sanitised.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:55:12 +0000

The photos of John Claridge always bring me to a full stop. He is a master of capturing a moment, an era, a conversation, a silent stare, a fleeting gesture. I so appreciated reading his words about
scampering over bombsites as his mother stopped in the various shops, making her rounds. The Buddhists have a phrase about being out-and-about-in-the-world, contributing to commerce as well as celebrating community………Wish I could recall it today. John Claridge brings a stately beauty to his gritty hard-worn surroundings (see “The Door” above) and insists that we stop and look deeply.

Thank you, GA.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:32:09 +0000

Step aside David Bailey, John Claridge is in the building.
Genius.

By: Carol Miers

Carol Miers — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:54:21 +0000

Really nice to read about this – I recently found a hat box from my mother’s younger days and I kept it – photos exist of the shop where it was bought – An elderly friend told me that everyone wore hats in those days. To hear stories is to keep them alive. Thank you

By: Christine Swan

Christine Swan — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:59:05 +0000

When I moved to Worcester it too was full of little old shops from a bygone era. We gave in to the supermarkets far too easily and the high street perished. Good to see that some communities have resisted this and still provide plenty of custom for all manner of interesting things. We even have a corner shop again! More power to the independent trader!
Great photos John and thank you GA.