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Lambeth Pearly Kings & Queens particiapting in a parade at an unknown location. One lady wears a motif proclaiming the 'Original Lambeth Pearly Queen' and the bunting on the background windows suggests a royal coronation year, probably that of George VI in 1937. Pearlies are a charitable working class tradition originating in London when Henry Croft, an orphaned street sweeper, wore clothes decorated with pearl buttons and collected money for charity. The pearly organisation is now known as the Original London Pearly Kings and Queens Association, although following disagreements, two rival groups were set up; London Pearly Kings and Queens Society and the other called the Pearly Guild. The motifs worn have various symbols including; a horseshoe for luck, doves for peace, heart for charity and flower pots for Costermongers. From a glass negative.

Ref. Glass Negatives

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