Bollards

Bollards are in plentiful supply around the streets of East London. They are designed to prevent cars from moving onto pavements to protect the free flow of pedestrians.

Three men surround Brick Lane bollard, 1998

Although they are designed to control traffic and protect pedestrians they have assumed another use. Bollards have become magnets which gather people in conversation around them.

Four boys gather around a bollard outside Christ Church, Spitalfields 1983

The bollard (above) is a former canon which has concluded its life pointing to the sky and, in this case, facilitating the writing of a note. This unlikely 20th century street desk was captured during the Napoleonic wars but has since been removed by Tower Hamlets Council.

A boy secures himself around a bollard in Hanbury Street, 1985

Oscar and a bollard on Brick Lane, 2002