I took these photographs last winter for the Survey of London whilst exploring the people that work on Whitechapel Road. To find out more about the survey visit: https://surveyoflondon.org/ [photograph above taken by Derek Kendall]
“I have been at the market 20 years; it’s tough, especially in the winter. People mostly buy online, before everyone would come to the markets for all their essentials. The market has gone through many changes, but I am still here”
Also read the post on Ms Thandi here: https://tquadi.com/whitechapel-markets-only-female-stall-holder/
“Trading is a lot harder, too much choice, we have competition everywhere, how can we compete with the produce in supermarkets that lasts for a week. People buy less and want more for their money”
“I am originally from Egypt, I came to the market in 2008, before then I was helping out with other markets. I like the work because its’ Halal money [ethically acquired]. The market is suffering, the Officials do not care about the traders, they want to push us out and make Whitechapel pretty, we don’t know how long the market will last with the new cross rail and changes in people”
“We are originally from Syria, we have been trading for one year, facilities in the market are not good; we have do not have access to water or toilets and are reliant on the kindness of the business around us”
“I have been working here for 3 months, I like it, I meet lots of people and I like the area”
“I have been at the market since 1988, the market has a long history spanning over 300 years, I don’t know how long it will be here, the management is not good, it’s a shame really”
“I have been here for 12 years, I enjoy being at the market, I work with loads of people”
“I have been here since 2000, my key shop does well but the management does not make it easy being here, we would love to have facilities like other markets, good coverings and tables that withstand the weathers, we did have some before but they were taken away “
“I started working at the Market in 1992; we started off with children’s clothing and now I sell shoes. I don’t know how long I will be at the market but my family will carry on”
“I have been selling women’s clothing for 15+ years, the market has changed a lot over the years, when I first started there was a lot of people buying, now not as much. Hopefully with the cross rail opening we will have more foot-fall on the market and business will be better for us all”
“I have been at the Market for nearly 27 years! Throughout this time I have sold many things from electronics to clothing; now I sell luggage. There is always competition so we change what we sell. The market used to be very diverse now it is mostly locals that visit. My children now are big and we are well established, I enjoy working at the market it makes me happy”
I am in glad you have done this, these images will become precious nuggets in the future. Many of those faces have been there for decades. Seeing them brings back memories from when I was working Stuart Cameras, I worked for 13 years and in Davenant Centre, some of the faces became familiar, but not necessarily the names. Well done and many thanks.
Thank you for your kinds words Mayar, I am glad you came across these images. There is so much behind each photograph, a lifetime. These are changing faces that I am very proud to have captured.
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