Pearly King Collection

Bobby Moore West Ham & England footballer pictured with wife in fancy dress as Pearly King and Queen April 1975 Wearing costumes with mother of pearl buttons

Pearly King George Major. April 1975 75-2253-001

Pearly King and Queens Harvest Festival, London, England, UK

A donkey barrow transports a wealthy costermongers family (sepia photo)
STC347616 A donkey barrow transports a wealthy costermongers family (sepia photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Pearly King and Queens trying to pick the winner on Derby Day at Epsom, 1936 (b / w photo)
3638964 Pearly King and Queens trying to pick the winner on Derby Day at Epsom, 1936 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Costermongers on holiday (sepia photo)
STC347617 Costermongers on holiday (sepia photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Pearly King and Queen attend the Easter parade in Rotten Row in Hyde Park, London. 21st April 1957

Old people dressed as Pearly Kings and Queens performing on stage during a concert. Old man dancing on stage with a play horse

Younger members of the Pearly Kings and Queens seen here at a gathering of the families in the East End of London. April 1975 75-2253-002

Pearly King George Major. April 1975 75-2253-003

Pearly King George Major. April 1975 75-2253

The annual Easter Sunday Parade - at Battersea Park, London. A crowd including Pearly Kings and Queens doing the " Knees up Mother Brown " before the parade

Pearly family in their donkey-drawn moke, London, 1926-1927. Artist: McLeish
Pearly family in their donkey-drawn moke, London, 1926-1927. Cockney Pearly kings (originally costermongers - fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons

Pearly king and queen in high spirits, London, 1926-1927. Cockney Pearly kings (originally costermongers - fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons

Pearly king, London, 1926-1927. Artist: Hoppe
Pearly king, London, 1926-1927. Cockney Pearly kings (originally costermongers - fruit and vegetable sellers), wore suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons

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"Pearly Kings and Queens: A Timeless Tradition of London's East End" In the vibrant streets of London's East End, a unique tradition has thrived for over a century - the Pearly Kings and Queens. These iconic figures, adorned in intricate suits embellished with mother-of-pearl buttons, have become synonymous with the rich cultural heritage of this bustling city. One captivating image captures Bobby Moore, the legendary West Ham and England footballer, alongside his wife as they embrace the spirit of fancy dress as Pearlies. This snapshot showcases how even revered sports stars were drawn to this enchanting tradition that celebrates community and camaraderie. Another photograph takes us back to April 1975 when Pearly King George Major graced our presence. His regal attire exudes elegance as he proudly represents his neighborhood during the Harvest Festival in London. The event serves as a reminder of how these charismatic individuals play an integral role in preserving local customs. Delving further into history, we stumble upon sepia-toned memories capturing costermongers' families on holiday or being transported by donkey barrows. These images transport us to simpler times when hardworking families found joy amidst their daily struggles. The Derby Day at Epsom in 1936 comes alive through a black-and-white photo featuring Pearly Kings and Queens eagerly trying to pick winners amongst horse-racing enthusiasts. Their infectious enthusiasm is palpable even through time's lens. Moving forward to 1926-1927, we encounter heartwarming scenes depicting Pearly families riding around town on their trusty donkey-drawn moke carts. The artist McLeish beautifully captures their bond with both animal companionship and shared traditions. A sense of jubilation emanates from photographs showcasing high-spirited Pearly kings and queens during festive occasions such as Easter parades or concerts held on grand stages. Their radiant smiles reflect not only pride but also a commitment to keeping their heritage alive.