The Blind Boot-Lace Seller

This engraved illustration of a Blind Boot-Lace Seller is based on a daguerrotype photograph by Richard Beard. It 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. The blind boot lace seller, was about 55 when interviewed for Mayhew's survey. He had been living in London for 14 years. As the son of a Northumberland grocer he had led a comfortable and happy childhood until the death of his Mother which resulted in the breakdown of his family life. He lost his sight as a result of smallpox in childhood.