British Film Institute

Vividly capturing the atmosphere of the famous Petticoat Lane Market in East London (already some 300 years old in 1903), Petticoat Lane is a fascinating snapshot of Edwardian London life. The market is incredibly crowded as people fill every inch of the street and traders do their best to grab attention. Some stand high above the crowd waving goods while others shout vigorously about the watches and waistcoats they have to sell. The absence of women at the market is striking; the passing faces that stare fascinated or bewildered at the camera are almost exclusively those of men and boys. These crowds of men quickly highlight the uniformity of Edwardian clothing, with only the choice of a flat cap or bowler hat adding much variation to the standard dark jackets, light shirts and waistcoats.

Appropriately the market itself sells many men's clothes, with piles of similar trousers and jackets on sale. It is here that we finally spot two women.

Christian Hayes

*This film can also be viewed via the BFI's YouTube channel.

Click titles to see or read more