Brick Lane launderette

A child peers through the entrance of the launderette at the photographer

In the 1980’s less people had a washing machine at home so they relied on their local launderette. Thousands of launderettes have now vanished and I can only think of a handful that remain in Tower Hamlets. I took these pictures of the launderette I used to use in Brick Lane in 1982. The launderette is now the Bengal Cuisine restaurant.

Looking into the street as her washing dries

Launderettes were great meeting places since they brought together disparate members of the community. A trip to the launderette could take up to two hours so you could occupy your time with conversation or reading. I would usually take my camera and take advantage of the lighting and stationary subjects.

Loading a machine for a wash

If the launderette was busy there would be a que for the dryers. This could could lead to a sharp exchange of words between customers where you could suddenly be asked to referee.

Having started his wash he is joined by his daughter

With the decline of launderettes a valuable meeting space has disappeared.