June 12, 2008

Covent Garden

Until 1974, Covent Garden was London's larder. In photographs from his new book, Clive Boursnell captured the last days of the famous market

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — Clive Boursnell says: "Some of the buyers moved quickly to 'their' salesman. A few words, pointing to one box rather than another, and the deal was done." Photograph: Clive Boursnell/PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — Clive Boursnell says: "Everything was on the move: the ever-changing colour of the light, the kaleidoscope of shapes ... Then a blast from a truck's horn, a voice from a cab window: 'Out the fuckin' way, dreamer boy.'" Photograph: Clive Boursnell /PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — Clive Boursnell says: "The people at the market knew never to change the way they worked on my account, and if that meant I was hit by a box, barrow or body because I didn't get out the way fast enough, tough!" Photograph: Clive Boursnell/PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — As well as its community of working-class traders, Covent Garden is also home to the Royal Opera House, and minutes away from the heart of theatreland. Traders thus grew used to some quite bohemian customers. Photograph: Clive Boursnell/PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — Life was far from easy working on the market, with working days beginning in the small hours and commanding wages of only a few pennies. Photograph: Clive Boursnell /PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — Clive Boursnell says: "Old Rosie? Tough she was .. As long as she could walk or crawl she'd do it. Towards the end she couldn't do much except make tea and keep company but they'd never sack her, as long as she could keep the place tidy." Photograph: Clive Boursnell /PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — A market trader checks the day's produce for freshness. Photograph: PR

Clive Boursnell's Covent Garden photos — In 1974, the market was moved out of central London to new premises in Nine Elms, and a long chapter of the capital's social history closed. Photograph: Clive Boursnell/PR

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