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Knife grinder at work, Central London
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Knife grinder at work, Central London
Itinerant knife grinder at work on a Central London street. Date: circa 1950s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23429672
© A The John Turner Photographic Collection / Mary Evans AA The John Turner Photographic Collection / Mary Evans
Grinder Grinding Itinerant Knife Machinery Manual Trader Travelling Wheel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, taken in Central London during the 1950s, an itinerant knife grinder intently focuses on his work. The man, dressed in worn clothing and with a furrowed brow, deftly maneuvers a large, sharp blade against the spinning wheel of his grinding machine. The scene is one of manual labor and tradition, as the sound of metal grinding against metal echoes through the bustling street. Surrounding the knife grinder are a group of onlookers, some of whom appear to be offering him their own knives for sharpening. The atmosphere is communal and friendly, as the community comes together to support this traveling trader in his craft. The grinder's equipment is simple yet effective, consisting of a heavy wooden cart, a large water-filled tub, and a hand-cranked wheel. The tub collects water to cool the blade as it is sharpened, while the wheel, powered by a large flywheel, provides the necessary force to grind the metal. This photograph captures a moment in time when manual trades and itinerant workers were still a common sight on the streets of Central London. The knife grinder's dedication to his craft, and the sense of community that surrounds him, serve as a reminder of a bygone era. The image is a testament to the importance of skilled labor and the enduring human connection to the tools and traditions that shape our world.
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