The Photographer C.A. Matthew took many photos of daily life in East London during 1912. His photos of Spitalfields were discovered by modern-day photographer Adam Tuck, in 2012. He set out to recapture the same locations one hundred years later, and rather than try to ‘merge’ the photos into a split-screen effect, he overlaid them.
The results give a strange ‘ghostly’ feel to the scenes, and I found that to be very affecting.
Sandys Row.
Sandys Row South.
Steward Street.
Middlesex Street.
Bishopsgate.
Crispin Street.
Bell Lane.
Artillery Lane.
Spital Square.
Frying Pan Alley.
beetleypete 
I particularly like these. They provoked thought in me. Michele
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Glad to hear that, Michele.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Wonderful!
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Glad you liked the images, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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🙂
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My new favorite technique for “then and now” photographs. Enthralling.
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Glad you enjoyed them, Geoff.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oooh, these pictures really do have a ghostly creepy feel to them, Pete. It is very effective.
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I thought so too.
Thanks, Robbie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I would say there were great architects at work. They have preserved a lot of the old buildings, what really makes sence. Thanks for sharing, Pete! xx Michael
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Much of London is preserved, Michael. Most of the new buidings are on sites damaged by bombing in WW2.
Best wishes, Pete.
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That’s great and made sense! Thanks for sharing the interesting insight. Enjoy your Sunday! xx Michael
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Glorious, fascinating photos. What an artist! I love London, though I’ve never been. It’s on my bucket list. Cheers!
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Let me know if you make it to London before I die, Pam. I will show you around. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Truly fascinating work! The photographer should probably have waited for traffic to clear on Bell Lane, though.
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I doubt it would ever clear in London, David. It’s a 24-hour traffic jam. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Artillery Lane and Spital Square are so atmospheric! I love the merging of the past and present in the photos- it’s like a time slip!
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It is indeed. I’m glad you enjoyed these.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Brilliant indeed. Haunting and profoundly sad.
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Thanks, Lara. I’m glad you felt that haunting.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Most haunting….
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I thought so too. Thanks, Sue.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Seasonal, given the 31st approaches. Warmest regards, Ed
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Yes, I hadn’t though of that as I don’t celebrate Halloween.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Here one can’t miss it for all the decorations. Warmest regards, Ed
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M
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Hi, Nan. I have approved your comment, but I am interested to know why it contains just the letter M.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Why did I only comment “M?” Wish I knew. Too running over due to the election and e-mails and age. I know I wanted to say I like the photos and was moved into nostalgia. Maybe that’s why I conked out during my reply!
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Thanks, Nan. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the photos. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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These images are haunting, Pete. It’s interesting that the old photos show many more people on the streets. Maybe the present day photos don’t show normal foot traffic?
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In 1912, most people had to walk, Audrey. If they were poor, they also lived on the streets. With no money for public transport, they stayed where they were born, and lived their entire lives in the same district. These days, people don’t walk so much in London. They use cabs, London Underground, and many buses. Those things were beyond the reach of poor people in 1912.
Families were also much larger. 6-9 children was the norm, whereas now 1-2 children are more common.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Slightly haunting, but also fascinating and very creative. I enjoy the historic pictures you post and appreciate you taking the time to share them.
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Thanks for your kind words, Helen.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Like so many ghosts. And so many children!
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People had very big families back then. No birth control, and more family members able to work too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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My mum was one of 6 but the only one to have children.
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The 1912 images featuring children are particularly ghostly.
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Glad you sensed that ghostly feel, Liz.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Crispin Street gave the most curious feeling as the modern-day man appears to be seeing the ghosts of the past.
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Yes he does. I thought this idea was very effective, GP.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It does give that effect! Like he’s had a time slip.
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Yes, a window to the past or time warp, eh?
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Ooh-er, how weird! Great pics though.
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They are quite creepy, but in a good way I think.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks as always for the link, Ned.
Best wishes, Pete.
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you’re right, very ghostlike – haunting
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Glad you agree, Beth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Mindblowing
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Glad you liked the photos, Gavin.
Best wishes, Pete.
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