There has been a market on Berwick Street in Soho for at least 180 years. Market traders at one time provided stock for some of the many restaurants in the area. Alongside fruit and vegetables, household goods and fashion could be purchased. Today it is primarily occupied by food stalls. This photo shows the north end of the market, just outside the Blue Posts pub.
London-based Paul D. Barkshire (b.1953) is known for his photographs of late 20th century London streets and buildings, some of which have been included in books such as Unexplored London (1988) and Other London (1989).
This photograph featured as part of the Touchstone programme (2012-2020). Each display consisted of a single photographic work on the Eranda studio floor where visitors were invited to respond to the question 'What do you see?' using the cards and pencils provided. A bench was placed in front of the work, encouraging people to spend a little longer than they might usually. The programme was part of a wider series of projects and activities related to visual literacy.
A selection of audience responses to the question 'What do you see?'
Installation of Paul D. Barkshire, Berwick Street Market © Tim Bowditch
