Petticoat Lane

A patchwork of East End colours and characters on Middlesex Street, better-known as Petticoat Lane.

Petticoat Lane - more properly known as Middlesex Street - was for centuries the hub of London's garment trade. This vivid snapshot of the Sunday market is a patchwork of East End colours and characters: among the beads and buttons, artificial flowers and embroidered tablecloths, spot the Pearly King, the jellied-eel vendor and some exotic birdlife. Meanwhile, a placard held above the hubbub proclaims ominously that "The End is at Hand".

The film was made by visiting Canadian Eileen D. Smith, who shot several home movies of her holidays in Britain in the 50s. Her films of Portobello Road market and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally are also available to view on BFI Player.