magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

The title and the theme are stolen from a favourite painting by Sir Luke Fildes. There are other paintings of similar title by others as the theme was quite popular with artists around the Victorian/Edwardian periods. In some boroughs the homeless who couldn't hack the thought of permanent residence in a workhouse could opt to live on the streets but apply at a police station, on a daily basis, for a ticket that would admit them to a casual ward at the workhouse, where they would get somewhere to sleep (not necessarily a bed) and a frugal supper.
This picture is wholly constructed in Ps from photos I've taken at some time, plus a bit of text (as I don't have a shot of an actual police lantern). Each figure is a separate layer. The file is quite large although the layer count isn't huge. It is something I've worked at, on and off, for over a year, nearly binning it on several occasions. I'm still fiddling with it but think it's time to get some opinions on it. It's dark because gas-lit London streets were dark. The characters are all from the Ragged Victorians - The Great Unwashed group that I've shot on several occasions. When on these shoots I take around three thousand images in order to get the characters in 'unposed' positions, including from the rear (which sometimes gets me a strange look or two from fellow photographers) - which is essential for this type of composite. Still, several characters are made from more than one shot or layer to get the required pose. That's the fun of it for me. There is a touch of A.I. where I used Generative Fill to extend the background, top and bottom, having made it too narrow, but it referenced my constructed image of course. Any critique will be welcomed.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

From a quick look without reading your text: incredible complexity, with the light and shadows drawing me in to examine every unique character and detail. Highly engaging!

After reading your text: Wowsa! A fascinating depiction of that time in history, and my continued admiration for your dedication to your craft, Dave.

A daunting project that would send many of us screaming into the night. I'm so grateful you share your art with us.

L-Fox

Absolutely superb

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

It felt a bit daunting to me at times too Linda! I find that usually happens with large composites - having slapped the initial ‘essentials’ together, I get a kinda ‘what now?’ feeling. That when I put it aside for a while. Glad you enjoyed it.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you, pleased you think so!

veralisa296 Loc: New Jersey

Wow, this took me away from the ordinary into a place of complexity and powerfulness!!! Your technique seems so complecated, you certainly put your heart into this one. Bravo! Great art done with heart and soul!!!

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

You are a master of the medium, Dave! This is spectacular! Your maintaining the consistency in the lighting and shadow with so many disparate elements is what intrigues me. Print this one on a large canvas and hang it in a museum!

Stan

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Not so much ‘technique’ really Veronica, but a lot of repetitiveness! Perseverance is certainly required. The thing is, I could not have got everyone to do this as one, that would require something like a film production crew, but Ps is everyone’s friend.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Nice of you to say so Stan, I’m pleased you enjoyed it.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Magnetoman said: "It is something I've worked at, on and off, for over a year, nearly binning it on several occasions. I'm still fiddling with it but think it's time to get some opinions on it. It's dark because gas-lit London streets were dark.On these shoots I take around three thousand images in order to get the characters in 'unposed' positions, including from the rear (which sometimes gets me a strange look or two from fellow photographers) - which is essential for this type of composite. Still, several characters are made from more than one shot or layer to get the required pose."

My quick reply.. Truly a labor of life~!

magnetoman, truth be told, i believe you to be a time-traveling historian... and in your tela-transportation, you materialize in some dangerous areas. If you disappear we will know what may have happened, perhaps much the same as Jack Torance in The Shining. A 1921 photograph showing Jack time transported and photographed with other guests in the hotel’s ballroom, captured in time. Be careful you may suffer a similar fate and we will miss you.

Typically the Elizabethan era, is strictly defined as England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I 1558–1603. It did not end with her passing, the times were much the same in the early 1900s. A well-known example is Charles Chaplin born in 1889, rose to fame in the era of silent film. From his childhood in the early 1900s London life for the masses was unchanged from the "Victorian era" after 300 years.

Chaplin's childhood in London was one of poverty and hardship much as your creation depicts. He was sent to a workhouse twice before the age of nine. When he was 14, his mother was committed to a mental asylum. She had developed a psychosis seemingly brought on by an infection and malnutrition.

As you have so diligently and skillfully shown us... those were tragic times.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Indeed Don, and there is still poverty.
My maternal grandparents ran a ‘mission house’ (in Newcastle rather than London) and took in many waifs and strays, some of whom became family members - so much so that, in adulthood, the offspring of one such contacted me to ask who her grandfather was. That was awkward as her mother had never explained how she became a family member!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

As usual by the time I see the image all the suppuratives have been taken. Every time I see one of your massive projects I think, Dave at his best, then the next one comes along and it's even better. Maybe times don't change, a homeless shelter is still a homeless shelter.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Jack. Yes, I think that sort of help will always be needed. Fortunately there are folk still willing to offer it.

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

This is a beautiful work of Art. So well put together. Dave, this is one of your best. Thanks for all the hard work you put into it.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you Gaylord - it’s knowing that folk like you understand the requirements of this sort of work that keeps me at it in part. Very pleased you find it it up to scratch.