This photograph was taken by Jim Rice in the 1970s. It shows three young
gypsy boys in Douglas Way in Deptford in south-east London. Rice knew the
area well. As a child, he had gone shopping in Douglas Street Market with
his parents.
Centre of industry
During the 19th century, Deptford was one of London's largest and most
successful industrial sites. It was a centre for shipbuilding, trade
merchants, timber yards and distilleries. It was also home to Deptford
Power Station which opened in 1889. However, during the economic recession
of the 1980s, industry went into decline and the area suffered from
unemployment and neglect.
Jim Rice
Jim Rice is a freelance photographer who grew up in London. He specialises
in portraits. He has photographed life in the city since the 1970s,
creating a unique picture of London's diverse population.
