Every morning catch the tube
a corner seat,
a book to read
all the way to Cannon Street
in City clobber
furled umbrella
pin striped trousers
and a bowler
til the eighties changed the scene
the City gent no longer seen.
-
Author:
Michael Edwards (
Offline) - Published: March 28th, 2022 00:37
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 40
Offline)
Comments8
Chose the painting as I also called it 'ONCE' - think the painting might be spoken for so it's off to the framers.
I escaped London in the eighties - with a genuine British Brolly as a useful souvenir.
I however believe the invasion of young thrusters on the market floor might have had something to do with City Gent's demise.
Please enlighten me if I"m wrong, Michael.
Nice piece of sociological observation.
Yes there was sea change in 'professional' dress - as described by my poem the bankers, lawyers and market floor traders moved on with new blood coming into the professions. I recall it all so well as I was also one of 'rhem' except I never wore a bowler. Curled up in the corner of the carriage on the piccadily line in the days when I borrowed books from the library.
Can't answer/agree with you without mentioning one name: ' Thatcher' (nothing to do with the state of your roof!)
(Oh dear - why do you have to get political, Dave!)
That art - give it a good solid frame - it has a long life ahead of it.....
Don't mention the Thatcher - the decimation of our industrial base - the painting will be in a sympathetic frame and will look good says I immodestly.
Three million unemployed - of which I was one for two years.
Sympathetic but sound, I hope.
Yes I too used to go to work in suit and tie with polished shoes but even in my time it changed, but I didn't, I always 'dressed' for work.
Andy
As did I - wore a tie until the day I retired - err - not the same tie that is.
Times change and city gents retired to let in the "young thrusters" as Dave comments above - - great observation of fashions in dress - - that painting is breathtaking Mike and deserves to be spoken for -
Thanks Fay - apart from weddings and funerals I haven't worn a tie since.
Good write and pic M.
Still 'shock, horror' from some, if people turn up at church in jeans and T-shirts!
It doesn't bother me really, but leaders should dress for church suitably I think (non dog-collar type of leaders). Jeans seem too casual for them, as if they are just a club leader. It looked shabby too, for a leader old enough to be a grandfather!
Is Miss Berles like mutton dressed as lamb?! lol.
Went to a funeral three weeks ago and the Father wore thick soled black trainers and took his bible in a Tesco carrier bag to the graveside. It's all anyone could talk about. Conversely Miss Berles is the epitome of sartorial elegance.
Sounds like Roy from Corrie. That bag is glued to him. or Zac's hat on Emmerdale. Not took it off for about, I dunno, 30 years.
Ahh, Miss B is lamb dressed as mutton? Nope! lol.
As a young man i wore three piece suits to work and was often complimented by seniors upon my sartotial elegance. In my 30's i changed career starting my own business which reqired me to wear tradesman work clothes. What a difference it made to other peoples reception (or perception) of my presence. Until I opened my mouth lol.
Though never a part of the city gent scene i find your piece apt and that painting is superb.
Thanks for your kind words Dusk. Yes it's amazing how the way we speak often quite irrationally, defines us. I a have been so grateful that I speak RP which, I am sure, has helped in my career. I also have a pedantic love of the language and to hear poor grammar and pronunciation (I am not talking regional accents here) make me cringe.
change is inevitable, but
what was lost
in our beloved Blighty's
cultural heritage
can never be, replaced
I think
like, that simple:
'good morning
nice/awful weather
we're having'..
nowadays, you need only
smile
at a stranger for them
to cross the road
and look at you, like
you're, some kinda weirdo...
(thanks for sharing Michael
I think that twilight theme
in your artwork
works well, to reflect
that irreversible change, in society)
let's hope
it's a twilight of morning
and eventually, something bright
will replace what we've lost
but sadly, I fear
things will only get bleaker, in the future..
(oh and congrats on the sale
hope, all is well)
I always appreciate and enjoy your comments even if I do not always reply. Yes the future has many bleak overtones but I rest in the knowledge that my art will live on long after I have departed this declining planet.I had to restrain myself from saying 'this immortal coil'.
(shudder)
lol, I blame it
on those dramatically sensationalised
bulletin headlines..
(thanks for putting up with me, my friend)
Wow what a picture you've painted with words. Also literally, assuming that's your own artwork. It's so refined and splendid. Great job!
Aw thanks Rocky - yes my own artwork - looking forward to seeing it framed.
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