Street Life in London. With Permanent Photographic Illustrations Taken from Life Expressly For This Publication

John Thomson British, Scottish

1870s

Not on view

First released in twelve monthly installments beginning in February 1877, Street Life in London is the among the first published collections of social documentary photographs. The book consists of thirty-six photographs by John Thomson, each accompanied by a brief essay by the writer and activist Adolphe Smith. Like the photographs, the essays are sharply drawn vignettes of "local characters" - cab drivers, flower sellers, sign painters, locksmiths, fishmongers, chimney sweeps, beggars, and street musicians - whose individual stories are meant to encapsulate the conditions of an entire class of worker or street dweller.

Artwork Details

Title: Street Life in London. With Permanent Photographic Illustrations Taken from Life Expressly For This Publication
Artist: John Thomson (British, Edinburgh, Scotland 1837–1921 London)
Author: Adolphe Smith
Date: 1870s
Classification: Books
Credit Line: The Rogers Fund, 1970
Object Number: 1970.556.2
Curatorial Department: Photographs

More Artwork

By John Thomson

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

A Tartar Soldier, Canton, John Thomson British, Scottish, Albumen silver print from glass negative — A Tartar Soldier, Canton
John Thomson
ca. 1869

Ming-Ming Customhouse, Rieng-Gang City, John Thomson British, Scottish, Albumen silver print from glass negative — Ming-Ming Customhouse, Rieng-Gang City
John Thomson
ca. 1869

A Street in Macao, John Thomson British, Scottish, Albumen silver print from glass negative — A Street in Macao
John Thomson
ca. 1869

Heaven Ascending Peak near Sing-Chang, John Thomson British, Scottish, Albumen silver print from glass negative — Heaven Ascending Peak near Sing-Chang
John Thomson
ca. 1869

Teh Hop-Ho (Canton) and his Son, John Thomson British, Scottish, Albumen silver print from glass negative — Teh Hop-Ho (Canton) and his Son
John Thomson
ca. 1869

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.