Some People Of Wonderful London
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It is my pleasure to publish these dignified and characterful portraits of Londoners, believed to be by photographer Donald McLeish (1879-1950), selected from the three volumes of Wonderful London edited by St John Adcock and produced by The Fleetway House in the nineteen-twenties.
Telescope Man on Westminster Bridge
Old woman who inhabited the alleys off Fleet St
Breton Onion Seller
Costermonger and child
Cats’ Meat Man
Knife Grinder
Charwoman
Islington Window Cleaner
Flower Seller
Concertina Player
Hurdy-Gurdy Man
Gramophone Man
Escapologist
Wandering Harpist
Street Sweeper
Scavenger
District Messenger
Telephone Messenger
Railway Fireman
Railway Engine Driver
Carman
Railway Porter
Gold Beaters
Gas Fitters
Chimney Sweep
Telephone Cable Man
Photographs courtesy Bishopsgate Institute
You might also like to take a look at
John Thomson’s Street Life in London
William Nicholson’s London Types
I think these photos emphasise the contrast between the rich and the poor . Still present today and sadly like in Dickens times the rate of children going into care especially up North (one child in 42. Source The Guardian about a week ago ) .
Great portraits.
Yes, they’re lovely, some tinged with a hint of sadness, everything you want from a tip-top photographer.
Dare I say, I think I have encountered ALL of these “types” in vintage Hollywood films. It is almost as if the Casting Director had this sheaf of photos in a drawer, and would command “Bring me a Chimney Sweep who looks like THIS!”. And the flower seller with her voluminous challis
scarf, and indomitable grin. (Wardrobe department take note………) And the telescope man, etc. Messengers, looking hard-working but mischievous.
We see all of these archetypes in late-night movies, forgetting that these real-life citizens of London performed difficult, challenging work; weaving the fabric of a great City.
“Wonderful” people, wonderful photos. Impossible to have a favorite.
Thank you, GA.
Fantastic! amazing photographs.
So nice to be able to step back in time through the eyes of a master photographer.
Thanks so much for posting them.
Mark B.
Ps…. the Telephone wire man was a brave man!