Cheap Street: London'S Street Markets and the Cultures of Informality, C.1850-1939

Cheap Street is a book that explores London's street markets, highlighting their overlooked role in urban modernity and the informal economy. It combines design, material culture, urban studies, and social and cultural history to analyze their unique characteristics, such as flaring naphtha lights, temporary spaces, and noisy selling. It challenges the traditional view of London as a consumer city and East as a poverty-stricken area, demonstrating the power of street markets in shaping representations of the city and its people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Cheap Street is a captivating and insightful exploration of London's street markets, which were an often overlooked realm of urban modernity and the most vibrant manifestation of the informal economy that thrived both below and beyond the confines of the recognized consumer city. Kelley skillfully weaves together the histories of design, material culture, urban studies, and social and cultural history to analyze the unique characteristics of these street markets. These characteristics included the mesmerizing flickering flames of their naphtha lights, their temporary yet enduring unofficial occupation of space, and the raucous, theatrical sales that took place there. The outcome is a fresh perspective on London's urban landscapes, transcending the conventional notion of the West End as the epitome of consumerism and the East as the realm of poverty. It vividly demonstrates that the informality of these street markets played a significant role in shaping perceptions of London and its inhabitants.

Cheap Street offers a rich tapestry of historical narratives, revealing the intricate connections between the markets, their vendors, and the broader urban fabric. It sheds light on the social and economic dynamics that shaped these markets, exploring the roles played by immigrants, laborers, and entrepreneurs in their establishment and growth. The book also delves into the cultural significance of street markets, examining how they reflected and influenced local traditions, values, and identities.

Through its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Cheap Street provides a valuable contribution to the study of urban history, geography, and culture. It challenges our understanding of traditional urban hierarchies and highlights the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities. By exploring the hidden corners of London's urban landscape, the book offers a fresh perspective on the city's past and present, challenging us to reimagine our perceptions of urban spaces and the people who inhabit them.

In conclusion, Cheap Street is a must-read for anyone interested in urban history, geography, and culture. It offers a captivating and insightful exploration of London's street markets, revealing their overlooked significance in shaping the city's urban modernity and informal economy. Kelley's interdisciplinary approach and rich historical narratives make this book a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163851