Man with a cap
Man with a cap, 1985
I photographed this man at different times in the 1980’s in and around Brick Lane.
Man with a cap, 1986
He would find an empty box to sit on to observe the world around him.
Man with a cap, 1986
Here he has a clear view of Brick Lane as the clear up begins following the Sunday market.
Man with a cap, 1986
Deep in thought
Man at a bus stop on Bethnal Green Road, 2001
The man sitting waiting for the bus appears to be deep in thought in contrast to the other passenger who is growing impatient waiting for the number 8 bus.
Man in betting shop, Brick Lane 1987
Studying racing form and placing a bet appears to require a great deal of consideration judging from the body language of this punter.
Two men in betting shop Brick Lane, 1987
I would speculate that these two punters are waiting for a result. I wonder what thoughts cross their minds during this difficult period of uncertainty?
Brick Lane and Quaker Street junction
Newsagents, Quaker Street & Brick Lane junction 1985
Over the years I have noticed that particular parts of Brick Lane have developed their own personality. The junction of Brick Lane with Quaker Street is a good example of this. All the buildings in this photograph were demolished in the late 1980’s. Harry’s newsagents shop is now the office of a housing association. Across the road was a pub which shut down for a number of years and re-opened as a trendy coffee shop only to be replaced by an even trendier clothes shop. It may be just a lingering nostalgia on my part but whenever I go to this junction I can still sense the newsagents and the pub. I wonder if the changing personality of this space takes with it the past and in some way retains an imprint of all that went on before?
Newsagents, Quaker Street & Brick Lane junction 1985
This delightful lady emerged gracefully from the darkness of the shop in time for my photograph. On this occasion I watched her walk in and waited for her exit.
Corner of Brick Lane and Quaker Street, 1999
Opposite the newsagents is part of the old Truman brewery complex. A constant piece of architecture that now hosts a bowling alley that can be entered a few meters from where the man is standing.
Harry at the entrance to his shop, 1985
This is Harry who ran his shop for many years. I’m not sure who the Lady is.
Junction of Brick Lane and Quaker Street, 2000
Sleeping in Whitechapel
Man sleeping in Whitechapel Market, 1988
This trolley has proved to be a useful substitute for a bed for this man. Its highly likely that he was exhausted after moving goods around the market.
Woman sleeping in Whitechapel, 1989
Judging by the bandage around her left leg the lady taking a nap is probably exhausted from walking. I think the man next to her is her companion.
Flower seller sleeping on his stall, 1985
This flower seller was a reliable feature for decades on Whitechapel market. The stall is now run by his son. I always got a good deal from this stall close to the entrance of Whitechapel station. He would wake up if a customer approached.
Man with a suitcase sleeping next to the Grave Maurice pub, 1983
Did this man arrive in Whitechapel with the hope of securing a place in a hostel? Is the suitcase and its contents all he owns?
Broadgate Bag Lady
Bag lady at Broadgate, 1986
Bag lady at Broadgate, 1986
I photographed this Lady at various times during the 1980’s. I was intrigued to know the story of her life but I got the impression that she wanted to be left alone so I never spoke to her. I usually saw her sitting down with her trolley next to her around Bishopsgate or Spitalfields. I feel this image captures a dignified defiance. Positioned close to Liverpool St station she would see the world from an entirely different perspective to the 123 million visitors who pass through it each year.
Bag lady in Spitalfields resting on a door step,1987
She is well prepared for the cold weather. Her boots, warm gloves and head scarf show she is prepared for anything the elements might throw at her.
Bag lady resting on a door step, Spitalfields 1987
Bag lady in Spitalfields resting on a door step, 1987
She appears to be comfortable with her door step next to the Percy Ingle bakers shop on Whitechapel Rd. Are the words on her bag a metaphor for her life? Attitudes towards people who live on the street tend to range from pity to contempt. Living on the street means you are at risk of being attacked. As I wonder why she has a life on the streets and speculate about the contents of her bags I could easily miss something. Perhaps it is us that should be pitied. Her life is not subjected to the constraints most of us accept without question. From her adopted doorstep she is the queen of the domain she views.
Bag lady, Spitalfields 1988
What is she thinking as she gazes into the distance?
