River East & West
The history of the river Thames is the history of London. Looking at old photographs and engravings of the river I am struck by how it has become virtually empty compared to the past.
Barge passes the London Eye. River Thames 2005
Most traffic on the Thames now relates to leisure activities and tourism. The barge (above) is removing London’s waste to a landfill site further east and is one of the few remaining commercial activities on river.
Rowing boats on the Buriganga River in Dhaka, 2009
When I was last in Bangladesh I couldn’t help reflecting that the myriad activity on the Buriaganda river reminded me of the photographs I’d seen of the 19th century river Thames.
Boy on a boat, Buriganga river 1992
The boy I photographed (above) worked on a passenger boat and is seen here taking a reflective rest. No doubt many children were employed on ships entering the Thames during Victorian times.
Three disused cranes, Isle of Dogs 1989
The three cranes (above) are among a few industrial monuments which are testimony to the Thames as the world’s former centre of commerce.
River Thames looking East from Shadwell, 1982
Photographed from Shadwell, this view of the river looking East (above) resonates desolation and gives no hint of the future growth of Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf from the River Thames, 2006
Passengers transferring from a rowing to a larger passenger boat, Buriganda river 2009
