East Enders' Postcards - Brian Girling

This fascinating collection of over 200 archive postcards explores the communities of Stepney, Poplar and Bethnal Green in the East End of London, before they were amalgamated in 1965 to form the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Introduced in the last decade of the nineteenth century, the new medium of the picture postcard postcard soared in popularity as a previously image-starved Britain began to be pictured as never before, while postcards of local and national events were often on sale within hours. Their appeal was enhanced by the fact that they could be posted to anywhere in the country for only one halfpenny. This striking selection of old views from the capital city's East End combines popular sights with everyday scenes; from aerial views to Tower Bridge, the River Thames and London Docks to vistas of terraced houses, shops and businesses, as well as trams, streets and buildings which have long since disappeared. Images of King George V's Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1935, along with markets at Brick Lane and Sclater Street, reflect the traditional community spirit for which this area of London is renowned. East Ender's Postcards is a valuble pictorial history which will reawaken nostalgic memories for some, while offering a unique glimpse into the past for others.