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I came across the photographer Gabriela Hasbun recently and loved both her stunning images and the stories behind them. The Mission Street series captures the essence of the many small businesses that have provided high quality goods and services in the Mission Street area of San Francisco for over 25 years. Known as the 'Mission Miracle Mile', the area was previously second only to Union Square as a destination shopping area. Sadly many of the businesses have now closed.
The images reminded of the photographs by Issy Oakes, who has documented the shop keepers in my local community.
Stoke Newington Church Street is one of the few London High Streets which isn't over run with faceless corporate chains and is a bustling, friendly area, full of really useful independently run businesses, some of whom have been there for at least 20 years.
The People of Stoke Newington is lovely photographic project dedicated to the local shop keepers who help create a truly unique community and maintain a sense of identity.
My favourite is the image of the man who owns the hoover shop. It is the messiest shop I have ever been in (he has clearly tidied his desk for the photograph!), but he can always find a bag for your hoover and probably has some left over from the 60's at the bottom of one of those piles. There are always several old men hanging out in there, chatting, and their sarcastic banter cheers up any visit.
What a brilliant idea if Issy's. Can someone please do this for Crystal Palace? I went there recently and though it was a brilliant high street full of great stores, the hardware shop could possibly be the best one in London. Ax
Posted by: amanda | January 31, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Wow, I just love it so much, brings up so many memories and I'm really happy the Hoover man is still around. It's beautifully done, I would love to get hold of the book if there is one, it's timeless. Amazing how Stoke Newington has retained it's character, I look at my highstreet here and it's totally characterless, a lot of the little shops are disapearing,the competition from the likes of Winners, Marshals, Target (soon) etc and all that is left, is the places to eat, which although good do not inspire. However there are definitely some archaic characters in our neighbourhood, maybe I'll start photographing them.
Osnatxx
Posted by: Osnat Lippa | February 05, 2011 at 12:02 AM
Yes Oznat the hoover man is still there, but a bit thinner and older. They are great shops and we are lucky to have them.
If you ever see any great old ladies in your neighbourhood with unique style take a pic, we'd love to put them on the blog.
J x
Posted by: jane | February 05, 2011 at 08:56 AM
Will do, although in this frozen winter land it's hard sometimes to dress in style whether you are young or old, spring might be the better time to start taking photos.xxx
Posted by: Osnat Lippa | February 12, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Aujourd'hui, les gens sont instruits par l'expérience pour voir sur les courses. Ils pensent que de choses à utiliser et économique maximale.
Posted by: online casino | May 09, 2011 at 04:17 PM
WOW !! Great photos. Excellant quality.
Posted by: Swift PAT | August 22, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Pictures are great i love the 60's and the 80's POST MORE !!!!!!!!
Posted by: Swift PAT | August 22, 2011 at 10:57 PM