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Group of children sittiing on kerb, Balham, SW London
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Group of children sittiing on kerb, Balham, SW London
A group of children sitting on the kerb in a Balham street, SW London, playing with a battered old suitcase. Date: circa 1961
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14189569
© The Paul Kaye Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Balham Battered Childhood Drain Gutter Kerb Suitcase Urchin Urchins
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph, a group of children happily engage in an impromptu game on the sun-dappled pavement of a Balham street in South West London, circa 1961. The scene is one of simple childhood joy, as the young urchins, dressed in clothes that speak of a bygone era, sit on the kerb and play with a battered old suitcase. The suitcase, its edges worn and its handle frayed, serves as a makeshift prop for their imaginative play. The children, a mix of girls and boys, sit close together, their faces filled with excitement and focus as they explore the contents of the suitcase. The older girls seem to be in charge, directing the activities with a sense of authority that belies their young age. The boys, meanwhile, look on with rapt attention, eager to join in the fun. The scene is set against the backdrop of a typical 1960s urban landscape. The cobblestone street, lined with tall, red-brick buildings, is dotted with drains and gutter pipes. The sun casts long shadows on the pavement, adding depth and texture to the photograph. This photograph captures a moment in time, a snapshot of a simpler era when children could find hours of entertainment in the most ordinary of objects. It is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of children, and the enduring power of imagination. The image also serves as a historical document, offering a glimpse into the past and the everyday lives of children growing up in Balham during the 1960s.
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