Denis Delay, TUC Economics Staff Member and himself an Ex-Docker at Surrey Docks, was anxious to pay tribute to the workforce and history of London’s docks then in demise. He developed the ‘London’s Docks And Docklands’ Exhibition, that ran from September 15th To October 3rd, 1980 at Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1.

The exhibition was designed by Cilla Birt and Tulloch McDaid and recorded how London’s docks were once the warehouse of the world, illustrated by many fascinating and precious artifacts loaned to Denis from the many generous historical agencies and individuals who wished to take part.

Over one hundred photographs were taken for the exhibition of London’s abandoned docklands, recording the devastating impact of the introduction of container ships on both docks and the lives of dock workers.

Martin Jones still has numerous wallets of photos of London Life in the early 1980s. We have been happy to take this selection of Southwark’s wharf and dockside and scan them for the first complete showing here:

All Photos: Martin Jones

Contact Martin via Southwark Notes – elephantnotes@yahoo.co.uk

Denis Delay