Market Porter Collection

L'approvisionnement des Halles, esquisse pour l'Hôtel de Ville de Paris, c.1888 — 1889
L'approvisionnement des Halles, esquisse pour l'Hotel de Ville de Paris, c.1888 -- 1889. Market at Les Halles, Paris

Les Halles, 1895. Creator: Leon-Augustin Lhermitte
Les Halles, 1895. Market in Paris, detail

Les Halles, 1895. Creator: Leon-Augustin Lhermitte
Les Halles, 1895. Market in Paris, detail

Les Halles, 1895. Creator: Leon-Augustin Lhermitte
Les Halles, 1895. Market in Paris

Young huckster in the Southwest section, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Young huckster in the Southwest section

A scene at Fultons fish market, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
New York, New York. A scene at Fultons fish market

Fulton fish market street scene, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
New York, New York. Fulton fish market street scene

Dock scene, Fulton fish market, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
New York, New York. Dock scene, Fulton fish market

Stevedore who packs and loads crates of fish on the lower east side, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
New York, New York. Stevedore who packs and loads crates of fish on the lower east side

Covent Garden Scene - Women Workers Standing, c1862-1935

Campaign at Fleet Prison, London, c1770
Distribution of pamphlets supporting John Wilkes outside the Fleet Prison, London, c1770. In the centre a woman is holding up a leaflet

Weather vanes, Billingsgate Market, c1981
Three glass fibre weather vanes in the shape of fish, before their erection on the new market building at Billingsgate, London, c1981

Fish porters at Billingsgate Market, London, 1893. Artist: Paul Martin
Fish porters at Billingsgate Market, London, 1893. Londons main fish market, Billingsgate Market became established on Billingsgate Wharf during the 16th century

Billingsgate Market, London, 1893. Artist: Paul Martin
Billingsgate Market, London, 1893. Londons main fish market, Billingsgate Market became established on Billingsgate Wharf during the 16th century. It moved to a new location near Canary Wharf in 1982

Unloading at Billingsgate Market, London, 1893. Artist: Paul Martin
Unloading at Billingsgate Market, London, 1893. Londons main fish market, Billingsgate Market became established on Billingsgate Wharf during the 16th century

A Covent Garden market porter, London, c1922. A print from Peoples of all Nations, Volume III, edited by JA Hammerton, The Fleetway House, London, c1922. (Colorised black and white print)

Scene at Covent Garden fruit and vegetable market, London, early 20th century. Market women discuss the merits of cauliflowers while in the left background a porter is carrying a stack of baskets or

Market Porter Eugene Atget French 1857 1927
Market Porter; Eugene Atget (French, 1857 - 1927); Paris, France; 1899 - 1900; Albumen silver print

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In the bustling streets of Southwest Washington, D. C. In 1942, a young huckster named Gordon Parks emerged as a creative force. With his camera in hand, he captured the essence of this vibrant market porter scene. The energy and determination radiate from the faces of these hardworking individuals who navigate through life with resilience. Moving forward to 1943, Parks found himself at Fulton's fish market in New York City. Here, amidst crates filled with fresh catches from the sea, he immortalized a captivating street scene that pulsated with activity. The aroma of saltwater mingled with shouts and laughter as fishermen and customers engaged in lively exchanges. Parks then ventured deeper into Fulton fish market where dock scenes unfolded before his lens. The rhythmic movements of stevedores expertly packing and loading crates showcased their strength and skill. These unsung heroes ensured that every piece of precious cargo was handled with care before it reached its final destination. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean in London during the late 19th century, Paul Martin's artistic eye captured timeless moments at Billingsgate Market - a hub for fish porters who tirelessly transported goods throughout the city. Through Martin's brushstrokes or Parks' photographs decades later, we witness their dedication etched on their weathered faces as they unloaded crates brimming with seafood delicacies. Transporting us back to Covent Garden during an era spanning from 1862 to 1935 is another glimpse into history's pages. Women workers stand proudly amidst baskets overflowing with fruits and vegetables – symbols of abundance nurtured by their diligent hands. Lastly, our journey concludes around c1770 when Fleet Prison became an unlikely stage for campaigns advocating change within London's markets – a testament to how even those confined can raise their voices against injustice. These snapshots offer glimpses into different times but share one common thread: market porters embody resilience and fortitude while ensuring that the wheels of commerce keep turning.