Brick Lane Tea Pot
This curvaceous tea pot has caught the attention of the two men standing near the Bagel shop on Brick Lane. They obviously know the man carrying the pot and have seized the opportunity to engage in some street banter.
Man with a curvaceous tea pot on Brick Lane, 2002
A smaller tea pot has caught the attention of this boy (below) at the Sunday market in Sclater Street.
Boy examining a small teapot at the Sclater Street market, 1987
Seven Stars Brick Lane
The former Seven Stars pub on Brick Lane had quite a reputation for ‘erotic dancing’. There were two bars. The one at the back facilitated drinking and conversation without interruption from live entertainment. I have fond memories of the place and regret that it has been closed for many years. The building nevertheless has served as a magnet for graffiti artists and fly posters over the years. Today I can reveal a moment in the back bar which captures a history not revealed, inspired or related to the daubing outside.
Children walk past the Seven Stars pub, Brick Lane 2002
The exterior of the pub has changed rapidly on a weekly basis. The more recent photograph below illustrates the side entrance and the ‘public art’ it attracted.
The Seven Stars pub, Brick Lane 2009
The real Seven Stars is revealed below.
Seven Stars Pub, Brick Lane 1999
Rogue Supermarket Trolleys
Man with supermarket trolley outside the Whitechapel gallery, 1989
I’ve noticed recently that supermarkets go to great lengths to prevent trolleys being removed from their premises. So it is with pleasure that I present these photographs of liberated trolleys from my archive. The man on Whitechapel Rd is framed magically by the entrance of the Whitechapel gallery creating a moment that suggests an installation that has spilled from the gallery onto the street. He is using the trolley probably to replenish restaurant supplies. In contrast the family below were photographed on the sea front at Brighton on a anti nuclear demo in the early 1980’s. Here the trolley doubles magnificently as a child carrier and a piece of agitprop demonstrating some of many alternative uses these trolleys can be put to.
Supermarket trolley on Brighton sea front, early 1980's
In contrast to the noble alternative uses above this sad trolley (below) was photographed on the edge of the river Thames just where it shouldn’t be.
River Thames with supermarket trolley, 2007
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
Old Prams and Push Chairs
Man with a push chair, Grimsby Street 1985
This man has found an alternative use for an old push chair.
Man with a push chair, Grimsby Street 1985
Man with a customised push chair pushing a suitcase, Brick Lane 1983
Boy carrying a box on the chassis of an old pram, Whitechapel Rd 1988
Boy carrying a box on the chassis of an old pram, Whitechapel Rd 1988
