Wonderful. It's been two decades since I lived in the UK and I was deluged with memories while looking at the photos -- and also reminded of the evergreen band Underworld, whose long-ago VHS video compilation was named "Footwear Repair By Craftsmen At Competitive Prices".
Their vocalist, Karl Hyde, has kept up a daily photo diary for ~20 years (https://karlhyde.underworldlive.com/) with the same vibe as these photos -- a chronicle of urban life.
Your photos are amazing. I especially like the ability to see the photos from this day throughout the life of the diary. Honestly though, I cannot look through them for long without the nostalgia starting to hurt. I guess this is the process of getting old. Bravo.
This is a great series, Richard. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing something similar here in Toronto and you’ve inspired me to move ahead with that.
The great British High Street! A sad place if ever there was one
Great photographs. It makes you wonder what specifically caused the places to close.
wonderful images. it's unfortunate that signs like this are disappearing.
Thank you Leanne - yes it is a shame how you see fewer and fewer ....
Love the typewriters one.
My fave too I think / although I’m fond on the Tripe Dressers …
Wonderful. It's been two decades since I lived in the UK and I was deluged with memories while looking at the photos -- and also reminded of the evergreen band Underworld, whose long-ago VHS video compilation was named "Footwear Repair By Craftsmen At Competitive Prices".
Their vocalist, Karl Hyde, has kept up a daily photo diary for ~20 years (https://karlhyde.underworldlive.com/) with the same vibe as these photos -- a chronicle of urban life.
Thank you Daniel - One of my favourite books is by the photographer Perou - he created it with Karl Hyde:
https://underworldlive.com/news/2021/04/09/perou-our-old-friend-and-long-time-photographer-of-underworld-has-a-new-book-coming-out/
Perou also has been keeping a daily photo diary for the same time ...
https://perou.co.uk/diary2/?date=2024-05-28
I started a little before him:
https://100realpeople.co.uk/daily/
Your photos are amazing. I especially like the ability to see the photos from this day throughout the life of the diary. Honestly though, I cannot look through them for long without the nostalgia starting to hurt. I guess this is the process of getting old. Bravo.
Interesting wide variations in typeface, architecture, security, occupancy and environment among many other variables. Quite intriguing! Cheers!
Thank you Kenneth ... there are less and less of these nowadays sadly ...
I love how you observe the details around you that most of us walk right by.
Thank you! It's always great to just photograph, irrespective of 'meaning' and to the come back and see patterns in what you take !
I can't put my finger on exactly why, but I really, really like this series of photos, both together and individually.
Thank you Donn - there is a certain pathos to these old places ... and London in general I think
This is a great series, Richard. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing something similar here in Toronto and you’ve inspired me to move ahead with that.
Thanks Mark - go for it! It always amazes me how quickly things change ...
Woe! Really great series. Great noticing.
Beautiful signs! Beautiful “visual” poem.
I really liked these!