The Pearly King at a carnival – mid 1960s

This seems to be a snapshot taken at a local carnival of a Pearly King with a local man. The Pearly King’s jacket and cap are covered in buttons arranged in decorative patterns, which is very characteristic of the Pearly tradition that originated in the East End of London in the late 19th century.

It is likely that this is early 1960s East or South London, possibly during a summer fete, carnival, or charity event involving Pearly royalty.