Pidgeons

1936

In this atmospheric Reuben Saidman shot, a parent and child toss crumbs to a swirling flock of pigeons from the stone balustrade steps of the Thames Embankment. The mist‑shrouded river reveals the skeletal remains of a moored barge and the timber pilings of a riverside jetty, while onlookers lean over the parapet above, their bowler hats silhouetted against the grey London air.

Historical Context
By 1936, London’s Embankment was a favoured spot for families seeking fresh air and riverside views. Feeding pigeons was a popular pastime, offering a simple delight during the City’s drizzly afternoons. The foggy Thames and industrial river traffic—visible here in the distant barge—underscore the capital’s blend of urban grit and public leisure in the interwar years.

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Contributed by OldPik on January 1, 2025

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Pidgeons
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