Sufferers from the floods

Sufferers from the floods, Rowlett's Rag Store, Lambeth, c. 1877. Despite the building of the Albert Embankment, opened in 1869, the Thames continued to flood some streets close to the waterfront in other parts of Lambeth. Premises like the one shown were flooded to a depth of up to four feet. Wife of the owner, Mrs Rowlett, is standing in the doorway and a next-door neighbour with her baby stands alongside. The man on the right, Mr Jack Smith, was an odd-jobs man and local comedian. From a series of 37 photographs published in the book, 'Street Life in London' (1877), with text written by Thomson and the journalist Adolphe Smith. [p.12]