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STREET ARABS / MATCHES 19C
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STREET ARABS / MATCHES 19C
London street boys sell matches to bus passengers, passing them up - and receiving payment - on long poles. Date: 1866
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20151727
© Bubblepunk
1866 Arabs Matches Passengers Passing Payment Poles Receiving Sell
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, taken in London in 1866, captures a moment in time when street life was a vibrant and intriguing part of urban existence. The image depicts a group of 'street Arabs' or 'match sellers' plying their trade on the streets of the city. Dressed in ragged clothing, these young boys, likely from impoverished backgrounds, sell matches to passengers on buses using long poles. The scene unfolds on a bustling city street, with horse-drawn carriages and omnibuses passing by in the background. The boys, perched precariously on the poles, extend their arms to reach the passengers, who lean out of the bus windows to make their purchases. The exchange of goods and money takes place in mid-air, a testament to the hustle and bustle of urban life in the 19th century. The use of long poles allowed the boys to reach passengers seated in the upper levels of the buses, expanding their customer base and increasing their earnings. This entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness were essential survival skills for many children living in poverty during this era. Despite the hardships and challenges they faced, these street Arabs were an integral part of London's urban landscape. Their presence added color and energy to the streets, and their resilience and determination serve as a reminder of the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging circumstances.
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