Strawberries. All Ripe! All Ripe! 1881

John Thomson created this photograph, Strawberries. All Ripe! All Ripe!, using a Woodburytype process. Its sepia tones and composition create a snapshot of Victorian street life, evoking a sense of stillness and social observation. The photograph is structured around a cart filled with strawberries, flanked by two figures. Thomson contrasts the vendor, a woman standing with dignity, against the young boy leaning against the cart, his hand to his face. Behind them, the rigid geometry of terraced houses provides a stark backdrop, emphasizing the subjects' transient presence within the urban landscape. The formal arrangement invites us to consider the social dynamics at play, highlighting the roles and realities of street vendors in Victorian London. Thomson’s choice of the Woodburytype process, known for its tonal range, imbues the scene with a rich texture. Through its formal elements, this photograph captures a moment of everyday life, offering a nuanced commentary on labor and class. The composition and tonal range invite ongoing interpretation.