Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Balham
Tramp asleep on a Balham street, SW London
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Tramp asleep on a Balham street, SW London
A tramp asleep on a bench on a Balham street in SW London. The various bags and papers appear to belong to him. Date: circa 1960s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14224146
© The Paul Kaye Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Asleep Bags Balham Bench Brick Flask Junk Papers Scruffy Sleep Sleeping Stick Tramp Tramps Vacuum Vagrant Vagrants
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Peaceful Slumber in Balham: A 1960s Vignette of Urban Life" This evocative black-and-white photograph captures a poignant moment in the history of Balham, a district in South West London. The image, taken circa 1960s, depicts an old tramp peacefully asleep on a worn-out bench, nestled between the cold brick walls of a building. The tramp's scruffy appearance, with his unkempt hair, worn hat, and tattered coat, is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of urban life during that era. The tramp's belongings, scattered around him, add to the tableau. A collection of bags and papers lie at his feet, while a vacuum cleaner and a flask sit nearby. The vacuum cleaner, an unlikely companion for a vagrant, suggests a past life of domestic work or perhaps an unrealized dream of a better existence. The flask, a common sight for homeless individuals, speaks to the need for warmth and comfort in the face of adversity. The photograph's composition, with the tramp sitting against the backdrop of the imposing brick wall and the modern buildings in the background, creates a striking contrast between the transient nature of human existence and the permanence of the urban landscape. The pavement, worn down by the passage of time and the footsteps of countless passersby, serves as a reminder of the inexorable march of history. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, inviting us to reflect on the lives of the marginalized and forgotten members of society, and the complexities of urban life in 1960s London. It is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
