Pearly Queen Collection

Pearly Queens attend the Easter parade in Rotten Row in Hyde Park, London. 21st April 1957

June Brown dressed as a Pearly Queen. 24th January 1995

Bobby Moore West Ham & England footballer pictured with wife in fancy dress as Pearly King and Queen April 1975 Wearing costumes with mother of pearl buttons

Pearly King and Queens Harvest Festival, London, England, UK

A donkey barrow transports a wealthy costermongers family (sepia photo)
STC347616 A donkey barrow transports a wealthy costermongers family (sepia photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Costermongers on holiday (sepia photo)
STC347617 Costermongers on holiday (sepia photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Pearly King and Queen attend the Easter parade in Rotten Row in Hyde Park, London. 21st April 1957

Covent Garden Flower Show 12th June 1951 Herbert Morrison MP seen here meeting the children of the Pearly Kings and Queens at the opening of the Covent Garden Flower Show

Pearly family in their donkey-drawn moke, London, 1926-1927. Artist: McLeish
Pearly family in their donkey-drawn moke, London, 1926-1927. Cockney Pearly kings (originally costermongers - fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons

Pearly Queen and Pearly Prince, London, 1926-1927. Artist: Hoppe
Pearly Queen and Pearly Prince, London, 1926-1927. Cockney Pearly kings (originally costermongers - fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons

Pearly king and queen in high spirits, London, 1926-1927. Cockney Pearly kings (originally costermongers - fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons

The annual Easter Sunday Parade - at Battersea Park, London. A crowd including Pearly Kings and Queens doing the " Knees up Mother Brown " before the parade

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"Pearly Queen: A Timeless Tradition of London's East End" Step into the vibrant world of Pearly Queens, where tradition and community intertwine in a dazzling display of pride and heritage. Originating from the bustling streets of London's East End, these iconic figures have become synonymous with unity and philanthropy. Every year, Pearly Queens grace the Easter parade in Rotten Row, Hyde Park, donning their signature outfits adorned with thousands of shimmering pearls. Their presence illuminates the festivities as they proudly represent their neighborhoods and uphold a legacy that dates back to the late 19th century. One memorable moment captured on January 24th, 1995, showcases June Brown herself dressed as a Pearly Queen. The beloved actress embraces this cultural phenomenon with grace and elegance, embodying the spirit that has captivated generations. Even football legend Bobby Moore couldn't resist joining in on the fun. Alongside his wife, he sported fancy dress as a Pearly during an eventful celebration. This unexpected sight highlights how deeply ingrained these traditions are within British culture. The Harvest Festival is another cherished occasion where Pearly Kings and Queens gather to celebrate abundance while raising funds for charitable causes. Their dedication to helping others shines through as they tirelessly work towards making a difference in their communities. Delving into history reveals sepia-toned photographs capturing moments frozen in time; a wealthy costermonger family transported by a donkey barrow or costermongers enjoying well-deserved holidays. These glimpses provide insight into an era when life revolved around hard work but was also filled with joyous camaraderie. Intriguing images from 1926-1927 showcase families proudly parading through London streets atop their donkey-drawn moke carts—a testament to resilience amidst challenging times. Artists such as McLeish and Hoppe immortalize this unique subculture through their evocative creations, capturing the essence of Pearly Queens and Princes.