Shoe Black Collection

The Dramatic Shoe-Black, from Street Life in London, by J
659992 The Dramatic Shoe-Black, from Street Life in London, by J. Thomson and Adolphe Smith, 1877 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; Scottish

Shoe Black (chromolitho)
2811696 Shoe Black (chromolitho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Shoe Black. Illustration for a booklet called Sketches of London Life)

The French Occupation of Tunis, Native Character Sketches (litho)
1036707 The French Occupation of Tunis, Native Character Sketches (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The French Occupation of Tunis, Native Character Sketches)

The Independent Shoe Black, from Street Life in London, by J
659981 The Independent Shoe Black, from Street Life in London, by J. Thomson and Adolphe Smith, 1877 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; Scottish

Cireur de Bottes (chromolitho)
975979 Cireur de Bottes (chromolitho) by Borgex, Louis (fl.1897); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cireur de Bottes. French educational card, late 19th/early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Illustrations from "Paris Brillant"(engraving)
1046590 Illustrations from " Paris Brillant" (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustrations from " Paris Brillant")

Shoe black 1934 Egypt Cairo
Shoe black. 1934, Egypt, Cairo

Shoe-black Cairo 1900 Egypt
Shoe-black of Cairo 1900, Egypt, Cairo

THE SHOE-BLACK BRIGADE, 1851 engraving

Jean-Baptiste Tilliard (French, 1740 - 1813) after Augustin de Saint-Aubin (French, 1736 - 1807). Shoe Black, 1768. From My People (Mes Gens, ou les Commissionaires ultramontains, Les Savoyards)

THE SHOE-BLACK BRIGADE, 1851 engraving

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"The Art of Shoe-Black: A Glimpse into the World of Street Life" Step back in time and explore the captivating world of shoe-black through a series of stunning illustrations and engravings. From London to Paris, Egypt to Tunis, this collection offers a glimpse into the lives and stories of these hardworking individuals. In "The Dramatic Shoe-Black, " we witness a scene straight out of Street Life in London. The artist captures the intensity and passion with which these shoe-blacks ply their trade, showcasing their determination amidst challenging circumstances. Moving on to "The French Occupation of Tunis, " we encounter native character sketches that depict the vibrant diversity within this profession. Each lithograph brings forth unique personalities, highlighting how shoe-blacks were an integral part of everyday life during this period. "The Independent Shoe Black" takes us back to Victorian-era London, where street life was bustling with activity. This engraving showcases a lone figure diligently working his craft, symbolizing resilience and self-reliance in an ever-changing urban landscape. Traveling across borders, we delve into "Cireur de Bottes. " This chromolitho transports us to Paris Brillant, offering glimpses into the glamorous side of being a shoe-black. It reminds us that even in high society settings, there were still those who relied on these skilled artisans for their footwear maintenance needs. As we turn our attention towards Egypt's Cairo in 1934 and 1900 respectively, two photographs capture moments frozen in time – one featuring a young shoe-black proudly displaying his tools while another portrays an older gentleman immersed in his work. These images serve as reminders that regardless of location or era, shoe-blacks played an essential role in keeping people's shoes polished and presentable. Finally, "THE SHOE-BLACK BRIGADE" presents an engraving from 1851 that pays homage to the historical significance attached to this occupation.