‘Henderson knew how to turn a street into his own theatre. He understood the simple strength of documenting the streets of London, with their players, dramas and characters. This beautiful book really brings his photographs to life.’ Martin Parr

An evocative view of the post-war East End including stunning photography from the Tate Archive, much of which has never been published before.

In 1943, recovering from the trauma of his experiences as a pilot in the Second World War, artist Nigel Henderson (1917– 85) began experimenting with photography. While living in Bethnal Green, east London, he created an extraordinary archive of photography documenting life in the area between 1949 and 1953. This book showcases 150 of these newly digitised photographs which capture the heart of working- class life. From hop- scotching children to a funeral cortège, Henderson’s unique view of the streets documents the resilience and character of the local people, and a way of life that would soon disappear, as Britain moved into the 1960s.

Clive Coward is head of Tate’s picture library, Tate Images.