Walter Joseph was Jewish and fled Germany during the war with his brothers staying in the Isle of Man. After war he made his way to London where he was employed in newspaper photographic laboratories. He remained a keen amateur/semi professional photographer throughout his life but was always very doubtful about his photographic skills.
The British Library has just acquired this collection which was presented as part of the London Street Photography Festival.
The series of images are based on markets in the East End of London after the war. They capture a time where goods were limited due to rationing and the effects of the war. The people in his images are carrying on with life regardless and seem to have a positive outlook. They include:
· Jewish stall holders
· Clothing, fruit and vegetable and toy stands
· Rabbits for sale
· Goldfish seller with his jars of fish laid out on a broken brick wall
· Puppy seller
· One man band
· Wireless salesman with his batteries and wireless on display
· Escapologist
The most striking this for me in these images is the bombed out buildings in the background of most of the pictures. This is a constant reminder of what has just happened – the war – but it is contrasted with the visual display of life in the market traders.
I particularly like the series of images of the escapologist who could escape any situation but post war East End London.
Joseph’s work reminded me in ways of Maier’s as he focused on those less well off in life, elevating them from their broken down surroundings and breathing new life into them.
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