Pearly King

We had a little shindig at work this afternoon for some of our older residents, and as we were in the heart of the East End, the party consisted of pie & mash (with obligitory liquer... it's green in case you aren't aware!!), jellied eels, live band and Pearly Kings & Queens. Oh, and plenty of booze...

Jellied eels are an aquired taste.. One I haven't (thankfully) acquired.. Although pie & mash isn't too bad...

Pearly Kings & Queens are a bit of a tradition, mainly in South and East London, with a history going back 125 years to market traders who would sew buttons on their clothing to indicate rank/experience.

They are also known for their charity work - which now seems to mean they turn up at events, charge a few hundred quid, eat, dance, drink and have their pics taken... haha

This guy is the Pearly King of Upminster... The suits are hand sewn, with designs passed down through families... apparently then end up quite heavy to wear, no surprise really...

[HayleyB]

Bless him. Im too fussy with food to even try eels. Nice shot

[Helene]

fabulous man! thanks for sharing with us

[HayleyB]

Noted Andy, you know me lack of imagination,almost gave up after 18 days!! not good I know. Promise you Andy will be different tomorrow.

[Craigy P]

Knees up Mother Brown!

[FunnyFace]

Fantastic photo! What a character. I love seeing pearly kings and queens.

[FunnyFace]

Oh - sorry, sounds like quite a cool day at work :-)

[Darren Griffen]

Love the pie mash and liquer great pic Andy

[Louise & Ken]

What a marvelous picture! It's so very British!

[Judifff]

Ohhhh I love this! I get all "goose pimply" when I see pearly kings & queens. :o)

[Richard Goodger]

ace!! we now have two pearly kings on 365

[Richard Tyson]

Proper job Pearly King. I always imagined they were hard to find!

[andy c]

LOL.. We ordered ours online....
Rich - I vaguely remember another - was it one of yours?
Loiuise - no, no, no... Not so very British... So very London... Sensible folk from outside the capital would never dress like this :-)

[Richard Tyson]

No. Not me, never had the pleasure. By the way enjoying all the London shots.

[andy c]

Whoops, sorry, meant Rich G above you... ha ha

[Richard Tyson]

Oh I see! On iPhone!

[Richard Goodger]

yes my one was taken on near bethnal green http://365project.org/rg37/365/2010-05-19

[Isla Wight]

Yes he does look like a bit of a character - good portrait - yes we had the rainbow too - but I think I missed the best of it as was fading as I walked up from work.

[Teresa (pocketmouse)]

That is amazing. :D

[Louise & Ken]

You're right about the specialness... As US citizens, we're only allowed to stay in Canada for 6 mo out of 12 without getting into something more complicated. Once I get settled back in CA (a short stay this fall & then we're away until late January) I know I'll be happy to see my cats & friends...I just find *change* of any sort difficult!

[Anita Ewing]

This is an amazing portrait! I've never heard of this, but it sounds fascinating!

[becs viveash]

wonderful. There is a great section on them in the book "Salaam Brick Lane" by Tarquin Hall, def. worth a read.

[Andrea Freeman]

He has got to be the pearliest king of all! Check out that suit!!! I am going to pass on the jellied eels....ick

[Aaron L]

i've heard them but never really knew what they were...but you don't nothing like that round "my manour!"

[Lois P]

Wow! So Good! sorry haven't been commenting of your wonderful photos - I have been so busy lately, I have a look & forget to write :D
You tke such good photos :D

[Arthur Loosley]

Nice shot, Andy. I have met "King Arfer" and had a long chat wiv 'im! You have a great collection of London casual shots here.