My uncle used to live in East London
He had an unusual collection of photographs
These included photos of the front door step
At 37 Brewer Street where he lived until 2003
He then moved from East London to East London
On South Africa’s Eastern Cape
Before he left he gave me a small album
Dedicated to the front door step
Of 37 Brewer Street dating from 186122003
Obviously taken by different photographers
The house in Brewer Street was built in 1861
It was intended to be the residence of small family
As there was until 1880 a large publishing works nearby
Dated 4th of May 1861 and taken by a George Burrows
This first photograph shows the doorstep
To be in a pristine condition as is the street in view
It has obviously been looked after and recently polished
1880 (no month noted)
The step now shows shows signs of wear
But is in good condition although the street is beginning to age
At a guess the dynamics of the area were declining
1903
This photograph was taken by Edwin Burrows the son of George
Again the month is not detailed
This is a rather sad photograph
As it clearly shows the decline of the street
Some houses are slums but number 37
Still retains its original gentleness
The doorstep which is partially hidden by a crate
Does not seem to be worn but coal dust is evident
1921
Photographer unknown (Edwin died in the Great War)
There is a distinct shabby feel to both the house and the street
The doorstep however does not appears to have aged
1940
Photographer Agnes Moore
August
This is by far the saddest photograph
I am not aware that Miss Moore had any connections
To 37 Brewer Street as she came from Deal
It appears that she was recording the bomb damage
As both Brewer Street and Golden Street were both heavily bombed
Yet number 37 although covered with debris was undamaged
Miss Moore took a series of photographs
And although unintentional
Some show the much recorded doorstep
There are two things that I should mention
Miss Moore is distantly related to me
As she was the mother of my uncle
She received a telegram from the King a month ago
And lives happily in Richmond with my aunt
The doorstep although shabby is in one piece
1955/1961
Two photographs
Photographer unknown
The 1955 photograph shows number 37 as being unoccupied
A candidate for demolition
If I had taken this photograph I would have expected it
To be the final photograph in the series
The doorstep is in bad shape and exhibits damage
1961
This photograph deceives as number 37 and other houses in the street
Looking east
Are now occupied
In the area to the west rows of council houses can be seen
It appears that certain parts of Brewer Street were not demolished
As the houses were strong and in good shape
The doorstep had been repaired
1973
My uncle took this photograph
And what is obvious is that squatters
Are resident in the house
(I wonder if my uncle was squatting)
My Aunt May is sitting on the half hidden doorstep
She appears to be smoking a joint
(My uncle had a history of squatting)
1985
A newspaper photograph
Mrs Thatcher visited Brewer Street
And is posing with a couple of long forgotten council worthies
She is standing on the door step of number 37
(even doorsteps have a claim to fame)
The doorstep is in fine condition
I might say since 1861 it has not looked better
198722003
Mu uncle lived at 37 Brewer Street during this period
He took photographs of the doorstep each year
There should be 16 photographs but for some reason there are 17
2004
I moved to 37 Brewer Street in 2004
And have kept up the tradition
I photograph the doorstep once a year
It has not really aged that much
And looks thanks to the 1985 Thatcher love
In good shape although worn smooth
In time I will write a history of this area
(I am an historian of some note)
But for the present will retain my silence
Till Then
Joe
UNEDITED