Selling Junk

Boy selling junk, Sclater Street 1986

I’ve always been amazed at the variety of second hand goods sold on the street during the Sunday market in and around Brick Lane. This boy is the guardian of a load of junk which includes VHS tapes, electrical cable and an ‘exit’ sign. When passing such pavement sales I usually ask myself who on earth would be interested in buying such junk. However there is clearly a market for everything that is carefully organised in the cardboard boxes on the pavement.

Boy talking to a potential customer, Sclater street 1986

This enterprising man (below) is selling at the ‘high end’ of the junk market. His location on Brick Lane assures him of a vast amount of passing trade.

Man selling second hand goods, Brick Lane 2010