Charing Cross Shoeblack
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Charing Cross Shoeblack
A one-legged shoeblack at Charing Cross Station yard. In 1914, within a 3 mile radius of here, there were 1000 shoeblacks, but less than 40 when this picture was taken. Date: early 1950s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14092889
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1000 Blossom Charing Cherry Legged Mile Polish Radius Shine Shoe Shoeblack Trades Yard Shoeblacks
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the image of a one-legged shoeblack, a traditional street trade that once thrived in the bustling Charing Cross Station yard in London. The year is the early 1950s, and the scene is a stark contrast to the vibrant trade that existed just over three decades prior. In 1914, within a three-mile radius of this location, there were an impressive 1000 shoeblacks, each providing a vital service to commuters and travelers. However, the passage of time and the encroachment of modernity had taken its toll. By the time this photograph was taken, the number of shoeblacks had dwindled to less than 40. The shoeblack, dressed in a worn apron and holding a bowl of cherry-red shoe polish, is intently focused on the shoe of a passing commuter. The cherry blossoms in the background add a touch of beauty and serenity to the scene, a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the changing world around us. The simple act of shoe shining, once a common sight on the streets of London, was becoming a relic of the past. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the rich history and traditions that have shaped our cities and the people who have called them home. It invites us to reflect on the past and consider the value of the trades and traditions that have been lost to the march of progress.
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