Boys on a mattress, Balham, SW London
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Boys on a mattress, Balham, SW London
Four boys lying on a mattress on top of a pile of rubbish in a Balham street, SW London. Date: circa 1961
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14186725
© The Paul Kaye Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Balham Childhood Cloth Junk Lying Material Mattress Pile Rubbish Sacking Terrace Terraced Twisted Urchin Urchins Waste Wasteland Wire
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, four boys gleefully occupy a makeshift playground in Balham, South West London, during the 1960s. The scene is set against a backdrop of urban decay, with a pile of rubbish and twisted metal forming an unlikely playground for these young urchins. The boys, dressed in tattered clothing, appear to be in their early childhood years, their faces filled with joy and excitement as they lie atop a large mattress, which rests precariously atop the jumbled heap. The terraced houses and worn-out sacking in the foreground add to the sense of gritty realism, while the twisted wire and metal in the background speak to the harsh realities of life in the city during this era. The boys' carefree abandon in the midst of this urban wasteland serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of children, even in the most challenging of circumstances. This photograph, taken circa 1961, offers a glimpse into the history of Balham and the lives of its residents during a time of significant social and economic change. The image captures the essence of childhood innocence and the enduring spirit of play, even in the face of adversity. The boys' laughter and sense of fun are a testament to the power of imagination and the ability to find joy in the most unexpected places. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the past and the rich history of Balham and its people. It invites us to reflect on the experiences of these boys and the many other children who grew up in similar circumstances during the 1960s. The image is a valuable historical document, capturing a moment in time that is both timeless and deeply rooted in the history of this vibrant and diverse city.
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