New Covent Garden Market: A Photographic Journey
New Covent Garden Market, opened on November 11, 1974, marked a significant shift for London’s fruit and vegetable trade. Relocating from its centuries-old location in Covent Garden to a purpose-built facility in Nine Elms, the new market was twice the size of its predecessor, boasting modern amenities like offices, banks, and restaurants. This relocation, occurring in the same year as the release of the film adaptation of *My Fair Lady*, which famously showcased the original market, provided a modern infrastructure to handle the substantial volume of goods. The market’s success is evident in its impressive turnover: £65 million in fruits and vegetables, and £14 million in flowers in 1974, equating to £1.2 billion in today’s value. Photographer Clive Boursnell, who documented both the last day of the original market and the first day of the new one, has captured its evolution over five decades. His work will be showcased in a free exhibition in September 2025, offering a unique glimpse into the market’s history and vibrant atmosphere. The exhibition promises a fascinating look at the UK’s largest wholesale market for fruit, vegetables, and flowers, highlighting its enduring legacy and continuing importance within the food industry. The move provided benefits like increased space and modern facilities but also risks in terms of disruption and transition for traders.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/art-and-photography/new-covent-garden-photos-clive-boursnell)
