SNAPSHOTS
1919 String of pearlies
With eye-catching suits and dresses adorned with thousands of mother of pearl buttons; magnificently feathered hats; and trusty donkeys pulling their carts, these could only be the Pearly Kings and Queens of London. They are in Richmond to take part in the annual horse show: after the thoroughbreds and prize-winners trot past the audience, a Pearly parade will follow so they can proudly show off their mokes (donkeys). An icon of London’s working class – who dedicate their time to charitable causes – the Pearlies have their roots in Victorian times, when costermongers lined the seams of their clothes and caps with buttons. The outfits got more spectacular and the titles more established until every London borough had its own Pearly King and Queen by the time this photo was taken.