Whitechapel Man

This gentlemen was a feature around Whitechapel in the 1980’s. I think he might have been a resident at Tower House in Fieldgate Street or Booth House on Whitechapel Road. He never communicated with anyone else as far as I know and would often remain in one spot for hours. I often wondered how he lost his leg and if perhaps he was traumatised in an injury during the war as a soldier.

Man on Whitechapel Road, 1987

Man on Whitechapel Road, 1983

It’s strange seeing people so regugularly and at the same time knowing nothing about them. I am pleased I was drawn to photograph him; one day he disappeared, I assume he died. These photographs remind me of him and the mysteries he took away with him. His attire would have enabled him to be at home in Victorian Whitechapel as well as the 1980’s.

Man asleep in the entrance to Whitechapel Station, 1985

He had the ability to sleep standing up. Perhaps he lived on the streets most of the time.