
Job - Cobbler - Sole proprietor 1910 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad
Title
Job - Cobbler - Sole proprietor 1910 - Side by Side
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Hand Colored Photo
Description
Hand colored photo from 1900
Original title: The smallest shop in London Shoe salesman with a 1.2 Sq. Meter Shoe store
Photographer: Unknown
Location: 4 Bateman Street, Soho, England
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Soho at 4 Bateman Street, London, stood what was widely regarded as the city's smallest shop, a quaint yet iconic cobbler's workshop. Dating back to 1900, this diminutive space was a true marvel of spatial efficiency, measuring a mere six feet in length, five feet in height, and just two feet in depth. Despite its incredibly compact size, it served as both the workspace and livelihood of its dedicated occupant for more than two decades.
Remarkably, the cobbler managed to ply his trade in these confined quarters, all while paying a modest weekly rent of three pounds, a sum that would equate to roughly $550 in today's currency. This tiny shop, brimming with character and ingenuity, stood as a testament to human resilience and resourcefulness. It also embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that defined Soho during the bustling early 20th century, capturing the imagination of all who passed by.
Coloring notes:
This location still exists, though the building has changed over time. It's hard to believe the cobbler managed to sell shoes here, given the shop's size, but as you can see, he had quite the collection on display. At his height, kneeling outside the shop, he was perfectly positioned to spot worn-out shoes as people walked by. I can't imagine there was much of a selection in terms of sizes or styles inside such a cramped space. With no room for a ladder, the shop must have been wall-to-wall boxes with perhaps a single chair tucked inside. If he sat, though, no one would see him, so he likely spent most of his time kneeling, a convenient setup for tying customers' shoes. It's remarkable that he worked there for 20 years, entirely on his own, as there wouldn't have been room for an assistant. Rainy or snowy days must have been especially challenging for him.
I discovered two nearly identical photographs of this scene. In one, the man stands in the doorway, as we see here; in the other, he is positioned on the far right, near a small note posted on the door. I liked the note and the laughing children, who appear in both images, but ultimately, I preferred this version. Even though it was likely a staged shot of a real location, it feels authentic and representative of his daily life.
Interestingly, similar shops still exist in places like Japan, Turkey, and Nigeria. Known as "Klek" or kneeling stores, they are small, low storefronts often located in the basements of buildings, with vendors working at sidewalk level. These shops are well-suited for people in wheelchairs or those of shorter stature and often sell groceries, food, and other necessities. It's fascinating to see how this unique style of commerce has endured in various parts of the world.
Uploaded
January 20th, 2025
Embed
Share
Comments
There are no comments for Job - Cobbler - Sole proprietor 1910 - Side by Side. Click here to post the first comment.