The Street Locksmith 1881

"The Street Locksmith" (1881) by John Thomson is a captivating photo-documentary image capturing the gritty reality of Victorian London. The photo showcases a street locksmith working at his trade, surrounded by tools and materials, with two other figures observing him. Thomson's work aimed to shed light on the lives of the working class, using his lens to highlight the struggles and resilience of everyday people in the bustling city. The composition, with its candid portrayal of street life, demonstrates the emerging genre of street photography, capturing a moment in time with a sense of realism and social commentary. This photo, now part of the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a poignant reminder of the past and a valuable insight into the socio-economic conditions of the Victorian era.