London

In 2010 I became dispaced destitute onto the street of London; these pictures reveal what I saw and experienced, during sleep deprived, traumatising events and zombifing catatonic my cognition processes.

Man wearing a cardboard box hat and a long, yellow chequered skirt. He carries a backpack and what appears to be a tin can in his hands. He is walking down a city street, past shops, and other pedestrians. The overall impression is one of eccentricity and perhaps homelessness or poverty. The man’s attire is unusual and stands out from the more conventional clothing of the people around him. The scene is brightly lit, suggesting it's daytime.
Group of people gathered in front of a large, classical-style building. The building is light-colored with many evenly spaced windows and a prominent red door. The people appear to be casually dressed, some carrying bags or backpacks. The scene suggests a possibly informal gathering or a moment of pause outside the building. The paving in the foreground is a mix of newer and older materials.
Group of people, predominantly men, standing in front of a classical building, possibly a museum or gallery. One man appears to be consulting a document with another. A woman in a white shirt is standing slightly apart, seemingly engaging with her phone. Other individuals are visible in the background, some seated on the grass. A banner reading Admission Free is displayed on the building. The scene is set outdoors on a sunny day. The overall impression is of a casual gathering possibly near a cultural institution.
Protest scene in front of the Houses of Parliament in London. A large banner proclaims PEACE IS POSSIBLE in bold lettering. A rainbow flag is visible, suggesting a possible connection to LGBTQ+ rights or broader social justice themes. The overall context suggests a peaceful demonstration advocating for peace and possibly other related causes. The backdrop of the iconic Big Ben adds a significant visual element to the scene.
Elderly man with long white hair and a beard, slumped over a desk in front of a computer monitor. He appears to be asleep or resting his head on the desk. He's wearing a dark jacket and a watch. The setting appears to be a library or study, with bookshelves filled with books visible in the background. The overall mood is one of quiet rest or perhaps weariness.
Television cooking show being filmed outdoors, likely in London, given the backdrop of St Paul's Cathedral and the River Thames. A small audience stands behind two bright green kitchen units, while a camera crew films a chef preparing food. The scene is bustling with activity, suggesting a live or on-location broadcast.
Homeless man asleep on the sidewalk next to a building. He is lying on his side, his body partially covered by a blanket. His belongings, including a bag, are next to him. A can of White Star beer is visible near his hand. The overall look is one of poverty and hardship. The image has a stark, realistic quality.
Person lying face down on the ground, curled up in a dark blue jacket with light grey stripes on the sleeves, near a wall. Their feet are visible, and one shoe is partially seen. The setting appears to be an urban area, with a building and street in the background. The overall impression is one of homelessness or vulnerability.

This is how I slept in Bishops Park (behind the palace), the foggy due would rise in the morning scenting all my belongings with a musky smell of foxes urine.

Person sleeping outdoors on the grass. They are wrapped in a sleeping bag and other clothes, including a jacket and what appears to be a pair of boots. The setting looks like a park or other green space. The overall impression is one of homelessness or rough sleeping.
Person lying on the ground next to a building. The individual appears to be slumped over, partially obscuring their face, and wearing dark clothing. A wet patch is visible on the pavement near them. There are also small, possibly discarded, items on the ground. The overall impression is one of someone who may be incapacitated or homeless.
Person sleeping rough on a paved area, wrapped in a patterned blanket. Several pigeons are gathered nearby. The scene is framed by metal railings, suggesting a public space, perhaps outside a building. The overall impression is one of urban poverty and isolation.
White, puffy comforter or duvet lying on a piece of cardboard on a city side walk next to a dark metal fence. The scene suggests homelessness or destitution.
Person sleeping rough on a city side walk. They are curled up in a sleeping bag on a small, teal-coloured mat, with a purple suitcase and some belongings next to them. The setting appears to be an urban area, next to a building with dark brown slatted shutters. There are also some black plastic bags nearby. The overall impression is one of homelessness and poverty.
Person sleeping rough in a sleeping bag on the pavement outside Buckingham Arcade in London. The contrast between the person's vulnerable state and the upscale location of the arcade is striking. The image's composition emphasises this juxtaposition, with the building's elegant signage and modern storefront clearly visible above the homeless individual.
Person sleeping rough in a blue sleeping bag on the pavement outside the National Portrait Gallery in London. A sign advertising the gallery's restaurant and an exhibition on Camille Silvy is visible in the background. The juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between the cultural institution and the plight of homelessness.
Person curled up and sleeping in a red sleeping bag against a blue door and a grey wall. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly in an alleyway or some other less-than-ideal location. The overall impression is one of homelessness or hardship.
Homeless person sitting on the side walk next to a shopping cart filled with bags. The bags appear to contain personal belongings and possibly trash. The individual is seated against the wall of a store, suggesting a lack of shelter. The overall impression is one of poverty and destitution, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a seemingly affluent retail environment.
Street scene where a group of young men are sitting on the pavement. They appear to be casually dressed and some are interacting with each other. In the background, a larger crowd of pedestrians are walking along a busy street lined with shops and buildings. The overall atmosphere seems relatively relaxed, though the reason for the group's presence on the pavement is unclear, possibly waiting for something or simply resting. Several pigeons are also visible on the street. The image is somewhat grainy and taken from a distance, suggesting a candid snapshot rather than a staged photograph.
Group of people gathered under a bridge. A smaller group is near a stone structure, seemingly participating in some sort of exchange or transaction – possibly food distribution; a cardboard box is visible. A larger group stands further back, some observing, others seemingly waiting. The setting suggests an outdoor, possibly public space. The overall mood is casual and somewhat informal.
Homeless person sleeping on the ground next to a building. They are wrapped in a colourful blanket. Next to them is a No Sleeping sign. The juxtaposition of the sign and the sleeping person highlights the harsh realities of homelessness and the societal pressures faced by those experiencing it.
Person sleeping rough on some stone steps outside a building. They are covered with blankets and a striped throw. A suitcase and some other belongings are next to them. The scene suggests homelessness and hardship.
A man, seemingly homeless, sitting hunched over on the ground in a doorway. He's wearing dark clothing and jeans, and a bag rests beside him. The background shows a neatly kept, affluent-looking street with a fence and elegant buildings. The contrast between the man’s impoverished state and the backdrop of wealth is striking. The man appears withdrawn and contemplative.
Two individuals sleeping rough on a city pavement at night. They are wrapped in sleeping bags near a tall, dark fence, suggesting a location possibly near a building or park. The scene is dimly lit, emphasising the vulnerability and isolation of the individuals. The overall impression is one of poverty and homelessness.
Woman using a doorbell at a red door. The door is behind a black metal fence with finials. A sign on the fence reads Do Not Obstruct - Access Required 24 Hours. The setting appears to be a building in a city. The overall impression is one of a somewhat utilitarian and possibly official or institutional setting.
Two men sitting on a sidewalk, one of whom is eating from a takeout container. The man eating is wearing a dark jacket and cap, and is seated on a suitcase. The other man is sitting beside him, appearing somewhat withdrawn. The overall setting suggests a street scene, possibly in a city. The mood is somewhat somber and possibly reflects a situation of hardship or transient living.
Bald, light-skinned man standing outside at night, leaning against a stone building. He is wearing a dark jacket with red stripes on the sleeves, light beige pants, and white sneakers. He appears to be holding and drinking from a small white cup or container. The background includes a storefront with windows displaying interior items and screens showing images, possibly from a shop or business. The overall ambience is dimly lit and somewhat sombre.
Section of a tall, chain-link fence partially obscured by overgrown vegetation. On the ground at the base of the fence lies a pile of discarded cardboard and what appears to be some rolled-up sheeting or paper. Fallen leaves are scattered on the ground around the debris. The overall impression is one of neglect or abandonment in a possibly public or semi-public space.
Man sitting in a chair attached to a motorised luggage cart. He is wearing a black jacket, khaki pants, and a hat. He has his arms crossed and appears relaxed. He has a small djembe drum next to him and a DeWalt toolbox on a blue stool. In the background, there are other people, and an Irish flag is visible on the luggage cart. The setting appears to be an urban location, possibly a city street. The overall impression is of a street musician or performer who is comfortably settled in for a performance or break.
Middle-aged, light-skinned man with short, light blonde hair sitting on a small wooden stool outside a shop. He is playing a mandolin, holding it gently in his hands. He’s wearing a light grey or beige jacket, a dark colored shirt underneath, dark blue jeans, and dark brown work boots. He appears to be casually dressed, and his expression is somewhat pensive or thoughtful. He is holding something small (possibly a toothpick or cigarette) near his mouth with his right hand. The setting is urban, with a shop window in the background filled with various items including ink cartridges, a computer workstation, and office supplies. There are posters advertising discounted prices. Several backpacks are on the ground beside the musician suggesting he may be a street performer or traveler. An orange plastic bag lies on the ground near his feet. The overall mood is somewhat quiet and observational.
Person sleeping rough on the steps of a building. They are covered in blankets and have a suitcase beside them. There is also a small amount of rubbish near the suitcase. The scene is one of poverty and homelessness.
Two men standing next to a street sign that reads Martin-e Fields Path WC2. Both men appear to be of middle age or older and are dressed in casual, somewhat worn clothing. The man on the left wears a plaid shirt and a beanie, while the man on the right wears a dark-colored jacket. The background is a white building with a section of red visible on the right. The overall impression is one of an informal, possibly candid street scene. The setting suggests a possibly urban environment.
Man in a wheelchair playing the violin on a city street. He is wearing a plaid shirt, a red scarf, and a cap, and appears to be busking. Behind him is an ornate metal fence and other pedestrians are visible in the background, suggesting a public urban setting. The overall mood is one of quiet dignity and perseverance.
Statue of a woman, possibly representing Peace, as indicated by the inscription on the pedestal. The statue is situated in a small, enclosed garden setting with stone paving and overgrown greenery. A man, dressed in casual clothing and wearing sunglasses, sits on a low wall in the garden, seemingly observing or contemplating the statue. The overall mood is quiet and contemplative. The juxtaposition of the classical statue and the contemporary man suggests themes of time, reflection, and contrast between the ideals represented by the statue and the reality of everyday life.
Person, heavily bundled in dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt, hunched over what appears to be newspapers or papers resting on a small wheeled cart. They are seated in a doorway, possibly seeking shelter. The overall impression is one of poverty or homelessness. The scene is dimly lit, adding to the sense of bleakness.
Person sleeping with their head resting on a white table, their body slumped over a chair. The person is wearing a dark sweater and pants, and their hair is pulled back. A light-colored jacket is draped over the back of the chair. The background is a mottled brown wall, and the floor is covered in a patterned carpet. The overall impression is one of weariness or exhaustion.
Man sleeping in an armchair in what appears to be a library. He's wearing a black jacket and hat, and has a newspaper or magazine resting on his lap. The library shelves are visible in the background. The overall impression is one of quiet exhaustion or weariness.
Person sitting on the ground, huddled in a beige hooded jacket and dark-coloured pants and boots. Their head is lowered, concealed by the hood, suggesting a posture of dejection, vulnerability, or perhaps cold. The setting appears to be an urban exterior, against a light-colored wall with a sectioned pattern. The overall impression is one of solitude and hardship. The person's obscured face and posture invite speculation about their circumstances and emotional state.
Back of a person standing on a city sidewalk, carrying two large duffel bags. The person is wearing a bulky olive-green jacket and dark pants. The background is blurred, showing the motion of city traffic, including a red double-decker bus. The overall impression is one of a traveler or someone possibly carrying belongings, possibly homeless, in a busy urban setting.
Person sleeping in a sleeping bag tucked under a metal structure, possibly outside. A banana and an apple lie on the ground nearby. The overall impression is one of homelessness or poverty. The scene is bleak and suggests a lack of shelter and resources.
Person lying asleep or unconscious on a sidewalk. They are wearing a grey hooded jacket and blue jeans with rips and are wearing brown boots. The individual appears to be homeless or in a vulnerable state. The image is stark and lacks a narrative beyond depicting this scene of apparent destitution. The setting is an urban street.
Homeless man sleeping on a park bench. He is wearing a dark-coloured jacket and jeans. He appears to be bundled up against the cold. The bench is made of wood and metal, and is ornately decorated at the ends. The background shows a city street with buildings and vehicles. The overall impression is one of poverty and hardship.
Dark alleyway with discarded clothing and cardboard boxes on the ground. There are two piles of clothing, one a dark-colored pair of trousers and the other a grey sweater. A piece of cardboard leaning against the wall appears to be part of a larger box. The overall impression is one of poverty and homelessness.
Group of people, mostly men, standing and sitting outside a building. They appear to be waiting, possibly for transportation, as a van with its rear door open is visible. Many are carrying backpacks and bags, suggesting a journey or displacement. The setting seems urban, with a stone building forming the backdrop. A red and white caution tape is present, possibly indicating a designated waiting area or restricting movement. The overall mood is somewhat somber and suggestive of a temporary situation. The picture might depict refugees or migrants waiting for assistance or resettlement.
Close-up view of an ornate, dark-coloured wall-mounted lamp. The lamp has a rounded, glass globe with a textured surface and a decorative metal bracket featuring swirling, floral designs. The lamp is affixed to a light-colored building's exterior wall. A hint of a dark interior space is visible behind the lamp.
Person wearing grey sweatpants, leaning on a stone balustrade overlooking a city square with a fountain. The background features several buildings and some trees. The overall impression is one of quiet observation or contemplation. The person's clothing is somewhat baggy and the focus is on their posture and the urban scene behind them.
Dark brown wooden park bench heavily covered in white bird droppings. The droppings are also scattered on the ground around the bench. The setting appears to be a paved area in a park or similar outdoor public space. The overall impression is one of neglect or the natural consequences of the bench being in a location frequently used by birds.
Dead rat lying on a brick pavement. Several flies are clustered around its head and partially consumed remains. The overall impression is one of decay and the natural cycle of life and death.
Homeless couple huddled together for warmth in a doorway. A young woman with long brown hair rests her head on the shoulder of an older man, who is wrapped in a patchwork blanket. Surrounding them are several backpacks and bags, suggesting all their belongings. A closed umbrella leans against the wall nearby. The scene evokes a sense of vulnerability and hardship, highlighting the realities of homelessness and the need for compassion.
Homeless person sleeping on the street, in a cardboard box. The person is wrapped in a blue blanket. The setting appears to be a city street near a shop window. Another person's belongings are visible a short distance away, suggesting others may also be experiencing homelessness in the area. The overall impression is one of poverty and hardship.
Person sleeping in a red sleeping bag on the steps of a building. The building's double doors have circular windows with images of lions' heads, suggesting it might be a theatre or a venue related to The Lion King. A red bag is hanging on the doors near the sleeping person. The scene depicts homelessness and poverty in contrast to the apparent prosperity suggested by the building's architecture. The juxtaposition creates a poignant visual commentary on social inequality.
Person juggling five white balls in front of a stone wall. The juggler is a person with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white tank top and dark pants. The background includes a stone wall with graffiti and some people in the distance.
White flatbed truck parked on a city street at night. The truck has red and yellow diagonal stripes on its sides and a number plate. The background features a multi-story building with illuminated windows and a fast-food restaurant. The scene is dimly lit, suggesting it was taken at night. The overall impression is of an ordinary street scene in a city, possibly showing a utility or service vehicle.
Three white vans parked at night along the side of a large, classic-looking building. One van is smaller, possibly a cargo van, and appears to be hitched to a larger passenger van. The building seems to be in a city center, possibly in the UK, given the architectural style. The overall impression is of a nighttime delivery or service related activity.
Protest or demonstration, likely related to the political situation in Zimbabwe. A prominent sign reads ZUMA SAVE ZIMBABWE, indicating a plea for intervention from South African President Jacob Zuma. Another sign details the suffering within Zimbabwe, citing killings, torture, displacement, and starvation. The photo captures a moment of interaction between two men: one wearing a black jacket with EDL (likely the English Defence League) insignia, and the other, a lighter-complexioned man in a cream jacket. The contrast in their attire and likely affiliations suggests a potential clash of ideologies or perspectives within the event. The background features a diverse group of protesters, some holding Zimbabwean flags.
Dark-skinned man standing beside a red double-decker bus in what appears to be a London street. He is dressed in a beige jacket and light-coloured trousers, and he appears to be covering his mouth with his hand. At his feet are several bags and numerous hand-made signs. These signs allege that several individuals were killed by Freemasons, naming specific individuals. The scene suggests a protest or demonstration related to conspiracy theories surrounding the Freemasons. The overall impression is one of a solitary individual expressing a strong, possibly controversial, belief. The image's mood is somber and somewhat unsettling.
Large sand sculpture of a crab on a beach. Two people are sitting in front of it, and a dog is standing nearby. There are also some small pieces of paper scattered in front of the sculpture, which seem to be handwritten notes. In the background, a person is walking away on the beach. The overall scene suggests a fun, playful activity on a beach, possibly a collaborative art project.
Open book resting on a railing overlooking a library. The book appears to be a catalogue or index, with densely packed text visible on the open pages. The library itself is bustling with activity, showing numerous people seated at tables, presumably reading or studying. The overall setting suggests a quiet but active space of learning and research. The contrast between the intimate view of the book and the broader view of the library creates a sense of both individual focus and communal learning.
Person wearing a mask that resembles a skull performing a musical act in a large, open space. They are surrounded by various musical instruments and electronic equipment. A small audience is visible in the background. The setting appears to be a modern, public building, perhaps a gallery or museum.
Weathered, rectangular sign affixed to a brick wall. The sign, which appears to be made of stone or plaster, displays the words COMMIT NO NUISANCE in bold, uppercase, black lettering against an off-white background. The NO is slightly smaller than the other words and has a small decorative flourish underneath it. The overall impression is that of an old, possibly historical, sign conveying a clear and concise instruction or warning.
Hostel room, viewed from the corner. A desk with a computer is positioned in front of a large window draped with patterned curtains. Snow is visible outside. A chair is tucked under the desk, and a bed partially occupies the foreground. There are shelves on the walls holding personal items. The room has a somewhat minimalist feel. The overall mood is quiet and contemplative.
Snow-covered scene viewed from a balcony. A wrought iron balcony railing is in the foreground, with a potted plant sitting on the snow-covered balcony. Beyond the railing, a snow-dusted garden path leads between rows of snow-covered trees and buildings. A bus is partially visible in the distance. The overall impression is one of a quiet, wintry day in an urban environment.
Lenovo laptop with a severely cracked screen. The crack is extensive and displays a pattern of vertical lines and distortions across a majority of the screen. The laptop is illuminated from the right side. Part of a computer monitor and speaker are visible in the background. The overall impression is one of damage and malfunction.
Close-up of a shelf in a store displaying baked iced demon doughnuts. The doughnuts are in a clear plastic container. A price tag indicates they cost 69 pence. Below the shelf, more doughnuts, possibly the same kind but with white sprinkles, are visible. The overall lighting is dim, and the image quality is somewhat blurry.
Canvas with an abstract design. The design consists primarily of swirling, concentric lines in red and silver, with a small area of green paint added in the bottom right corner. Beside the canvas is a paint palette with a variety of colors, including red, green, gold and silver, and a paintbrush resting on it. The overall impression is one of a work in progress.
Artwork in progress. A paintbrush rests on a piece of paper or canvas covered in a predominantly red and silver swirling, concentric circular pattern. There are also streaks of green paint visible. The overall impression is one of energetic, possibly abstract, expression. The paint appears to be applied somewhat haphazardly, suggesting a spontaneous creative process.
Park bench in a somewhat neglected state. On the bench are discarded items: a pink and red patterned fabric, and a dark grey sleeping bag partially obscuring a pink item underneath. A dark object lies on the ground near the bench's base. The background features a chain-link fence separating the park from a building under construction, which is partially obscured by overgrown vines. The overall impression is one of urban decay and possible homelessness.
Leonie's legs from the knees down, wearing black and grey striped knee-high socks. One sock has a noticeable hole in it. The feet are bare except for the socks, and rest on a dark brown textured floor. The overall impression is casual and slightly informal.
Close-up, from a slightly elevated angle, of a person's legs clad in black and white striped knee-high socks. The socks are prominent, and the background is a textured brown floor. The focus is sharply on the socks and legs. The overall impression is simple and somewhat minimalist.
Partially eaten meal consisting of a stew-like dish in a white plastic cup and a piece of white bread. The bread appears to have been used to scoop up some of the stew, leaving tomato-based sauce on its surface. A small white plastic spoon is also visible in the cup. The meal rests on a mottled grey stone surface, partially visible in the background is a wire mesh fence.
Group of approximately twenty people standing outside a building. They appear to be waiting for something or someone. The setting appears to be a city street in what looks like London, UK, based on the architecture of the building. The individuals are dressed in casual clothing, and there is little to distinguish them individually. The overall mood is one of quiet expectation or perhaps mild anticipation. The image lacks strong narrative or emotional elements beyond the implied sense of waiting.
Street scene, heavily littered with trash. Empty plastic bottles, cans, and other refuse are strewn across the roadway and sidewalk. Several sanitation workers are visible, apparently beginning the process of cleaning up the mess. The background shows buildings and a relatively quiet street. The overall impression is one of post-event cleanup, perhaps after a celebration or festival.

These are but a few of the thousands of pictures taken with mobile phones I had on my person, capturing moments in time, attempting to rationalise my predicament.