Stephen Gill’s Trolley Portraits
When photographer Stephen Gill slipped a disc carrying heavy photographic equipment a few years ago, he had no idea what the outcome would be. The physiotherapist advised him to buy a trolley for all his kit, and the world became different for Stephen – not only was his injured back able to recover but he found himself part of a select group of society, those who wheel trolleys around. And for someone with a creative imagination, like Stephen, this shift in perspective became the inspiration for a whole new vein of work, manifest in the fine East End Trolley Portraits you see here today.
Included now within the camaraderie of those who wheel trolleys – mostly women – Stephen learnt the significance of these humble devices as instruments of mobility, offering dominion of the pavement to their owners and permitting an independence which might otherwise be denied. More than this, Stephen found that the trolley as we know it was invented here in the East End, at Sholley Trolleys – a family business which started in the Roman Rd and is now based outside Clacton, they have been manufacturing trolleys for over thirty years.
In particular, the rich palette of Stephen Gill’s dignified portraits appeals to me, veritable symphonies of deep red and blue. Commonly, people choose their preferred colour of trolley and then co-ordinate or contrast their outfits to striking effect. All these individuals seem especially at home in their environment and, in many cases – such as the trolley lady outside Trinity Green in Whitechapel, pictured above – the colours of their clothing and their trolleys harmonise so beautifully with their surroundings, it is as if they are themselves extensions of the urban landscape.
Observe the hauteur of these noble women, how they grasp the handles of their trolleys with such a firm grip, indicating the strength of their connection to the world. Like eighteenth century aristocrats painted by Gainsborough, these women claim their right to existence and take possession of the place they inhabit with unquestionable authority. Monumental in stature, sentinels wheeling their trolleys through our streets, they are the spiritual guardians of the territory.
Photographs copyright © Stephen Gill
I loved this article as I have many others in the series. I see a lot of parallels between forgotten and disappeared parts of life in Melbourne as I’ve seen it over eighty years. Disappointed that none of these older cits I saw didn’t have a dog ( here usually a Pomeranian or a Silky Terrier) in their jeeps as we once called them, or a jeep with the dog’s own special compartment. The last, I must admit, not often seen. I intend to buy one.
Thank you! I have never seen such devices in France. Here trolleys have only two wheels and are not very convenient, as you have to drag them. They are not as goof for your health as the British made ones. Fashion is one thing but healh and security is another one.
Lovely article about the dear elderly ladies with their elegant trolleys! And it’s not just THEM who benefit from the little wheeled carts, as you can read. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day they became avant-garde for everyone!
Love & Peace
ACHIM
In that last photo – the green trolley looks sinister. Is there someone crouched inside looking out of the little window?
I loved these portraits when they first came around. I think that’s when I sought out a shopping trolley of my own. However, I finally passed it on when I realized our trolleys here, “across the pond,” are our fold-up walkers. The best ones…I have 3 from thrift shops…have large wheels for better uneven ground or curb transit, an enclosed, sturdy bag under the lift-up seat, and fold easily for transport in the trunk of a car. Most importantly, however, is the needed seat they provide when waiting in lines. I can still collapse and lift mine in and out of the car and load it to the hilt at Costco. My walkers help me keep my balance, and I treasure the many folks who hold a door or lift in something heavy for me. Road angels on the wing.
Notice that all the trolleys are used by women; which means that if the men did the shopping, the ladies wouldn’t have got worn out so soon! Come on men, help us fragile ladies out a bit.