East London: A 1960s Album

During the Swinging Sixties, photographer Steve Lewis captured the gritty reality of life in East London, focusing on the working-class Cockney and the area's poverty, poor housing, industrial unrest, and racial tension. Many of the locations in which Lewis worked have changed beyond recognition, and the old fabric of the East End has been consigned to memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

The photographs in this book offer a captivating glimpse into the raw and authentic reality of life in East London during the vibrant and tumultuous Swinging Sixties. As the images vividly depict, the pop revolution and the early manifestations of flower power seemed to have minimal influence on the working-class Cockney community. Instead, their concerns revolved around pervasive poverty, inadequate housing conditions, industrial unrest, and racial tensions. The East End proved to be a fertile ground for news-gatherers, one of whom was destined to rise to prominence as a distinguished national newspaper photographer.

During the 1960s, Steve Lewis embarked on a remarkable career as a photographer, covering the 'manor for local press and picture agencies. On serene days, Lewis found solace in capturing the fading remnants of street life. He observed the milkman struggling under the weight of his Edwardian handcart, the rag-and-bone man plodding the streets with his horse-drawn wagon, and the bicycle-borne totter adorned with a sign proclaiming, 'Complete Homes Purchased.' Many of the locations in which Lewis worked have undergone significant transformations over the years. Tower blocks have replaced vast stretches of Blitz-scarred terraces, and the docklands have been reimagined as the capital's alternative commercial hub. However, the site of the 2012 Olympics now offers fresh perspectives, serving as a reminder of the area's evolution. As the old fabric of the East End fades into memory, so too do many of its cherished traditions. This book provides a glimpse into the way it once was, offering a timeless testament to the rich tapestry of this iconic community.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 226 x 248 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750997447
Edition number: 2 New edition