Barrow Boy Collection

Musical Terms Up To Date - Running Down the Scales An altercation between a market barrow boy and a irate smart lady shopper regarding the setting (and accuracy)

Punch & Judy Show before the National Portrait Gallery
Children (mostly working boys) watching a Punch & Judy Show before the National Portrait Gallery, London. There is a statue of the famous actor Sir Henry Irving in the background. Date: circa 1910s

Street traders at the corner of Bull Street and Temple Row. Birmingham, West Midlands. 20th November 1970

Barrow boys, Albert Sayers (right), with his daughter Margaret Esther Sayer, and fellow Barrow Boy, Jim Holmes. Each of the seven Newcastle barrow boys chipped in £ 10 towards the donation of

Street trader Albert Sayers wearing a straw boater hat and striped fruit embroidered overalls which were designed by his wife Margaret. 28th July 1983

Albert Sayers who runs the fruit and veg stall on Northumberland Street, Newcastle. 16th May 1996

Alberts Sayers with his barrow on the streets of Newcastle on 4th August 1982

The Green Market, Newcastle c. 1955
The Green Market, Newcastle c.1955

Albert Sayers of the Newcastle Barrow Traders Association. 7th August 1998

Street trader, Albert Sayers. 20th June 1991

The familiar figure of Frank Hewson, on 3rd August 1973, who has been a barrow boy in Newcastle all of his life

Barrow Boy Jackie Prendergast who is featured in Newcastles 900 celebrations brochure as a tourist attraction owes more than 5000 in unpaid fines for obstruction on 11th August 1981

Illegal street trader tommy Quinn makes a sale before having to move on 31st January 1981

Selling Chestnuts from an Icecream barrow is aged Salve Volpe or English version Mr. Fox. January 1951 P004951

Street-Traders 1946: Queues, even on a Sunday morning. This time for winkles, outside the Plough public house, Harrow Road, London. February 1946 P004947

Police have a word with a street trader selling leather goods on Oxford Street. July 1971 P004933

A Cockney earns his Living: Hes the most popular person in this present heat wave. A ice-cream seller finds a customer in the heart of Londons shopping centre. August 1947 P004963

St Dunstans in the West, London (Victorian illustration)
Pedestrians and a barrow boy near St Dunstan-in-the-West church in Fleet Street, City of London. From Charing Cross to St Paulasa. Notes by Justin McCarthy, MP and vignettes by Joseph Pennell

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"Barrow Boy: A Musical Journey from Bull Street to Northumberland Street" Step into the vibrant world of the barrow boy, where musical terms come alive and scales are not just for musicians. From the bustling streets of Birmingham's Bull Street to the iconic National Portrait Gallery, these street traders bring life and color to every corner. Meet Albert Sayers, a seasoned barrow boy with his daughter Margaret Esther by his side. With their straw boater hats and striped fruit embroidered aprons, they embody the spirit of this timeless trade. Whether it's running down scales or orchestrating a Punch & Judy show, their energy is infectious. Travel back in time to c. 1890 Holland, where a dog cart filled with goods sets the scene for an unforgettable journey. In London's St Dunstans in the West church, Victorian illustrations capture the essence of barrow boys' daily hustle. Fast forward to 1998 when Albert Sayers proudly represents Newcastle Barrow Traders Association—a testament to his dedication and commitment. And on that memorable day in 1973, Frank Hewson becomes an indelible figure etched in our minds as he navigates through crowded streets with grace. But it doesn't end there—Jackie Prendergast takes center stage in Newcastle's vibrant barrow scene. His story unfolds amidst laughter and camaraderie as he leaves an indelible mark on those who cross his path. The legacy of these barrow boys transcends time; they are more than mere street traders—they are keepers of tradition and purveyors of joy. So next time you stroll along Temple Row or Northumberland Street, take a moment to appreciate these unsung heroes—the true heartbeat of any cityscape.