Street Markets of London in the 1940s – Walter Joseph
Recently acquired by the British Library, LSPF is proud to present this work to the public for the first time.
Walter Felix Abraham Joseph (1922-2003) was born in Darmstadt to an Orthodox Jewish couple. Joseph fled Germany as a young man in 1939 (his twin brothers following shortly after) and came to England. As a German national he was interned in the Isle of Man during the Second World War. After the war he was employed in newspaper photographic laboratories, but remained a dedicated amateur and semi-professional photographer for the rest of his life. These fascinating views of London markets, street traders and entertainers were taken between 1947-48.
Joseph doubted his photographic skills but his family always loved his images. Now, having been recently aquired by the British Library they will become a valued public record of the post war period and the hardships and pleasures Londoners faced. There is a striking similarity between the story of Walter Joseph and that ofVivian Maier, who’s work is on display just around the corner at the German Gymnasium.
By: James Dodd
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