"Mush-Fakers" and Ginger-Beer Makers 1881

John Thomson made this photographic print, titled "Mush-Fakers" and Ginger-Beer Makers. This image comes from Thomson’s series "Street Life in London," a collaboration with journalist Adolphe Smith, offering us a glimpse into the lives of London's working class. Here, Thomson captures two street vendors. One is selling mushrooms, while the other likely offers ginger beer. They stand as embodiments of the informal economy, hustling to make a living in the bustling metropolis. What I find compelling is how Thomson's lens documents not just their trade, but also their presence. In doing so, it subtly challenges the invisibility often imposed on those struggling on the margins of society. These images become powerful historical documents, reminding us of the human stories often overlooked in grand narratives. They invite us to consider the individual lives within broader socio-economic contexts, and to reflect on the dignity and resilience of those who navigate the complexities of urban poverty.