Scene in Petticoat Lane

Engraved illustration of street sellers of second hand tools and metal items. A female figure wearing a cap and plaid shawl is shown seated, supporting a plane in one hand and with a set of callipers on her lap. Behind a male figure wearing a top hat and smoking a cigarette stands in profile. In the background a top-hatted man is shown seated with a saw in one hand. Around them is an array of tools, including saws, vices and axes, along with padlocks and chain lengths. Petticoat Lane was an area associated with the selling of second hand goods, and was also frequented by Jews. The illustration was published in Henry Mayhew's 'London Labour and the London Poor: The condition of those that will work, cannot work, and will not work', Vol. 1., 'London Street-Folk', first published in 1861. No. 25 page 385.