Kensington Market, Toronto, 1983 © Avard Woolaver
Kensington Market is a vibrant multicultural neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, just off Spadina Avenue. It is likely the most photographed area in the city and it’s no accident that I did a lot of my street photography there.
Before moving to Toronto I vaguely knew about the place from the CBC TV comedy King of Kensington starring Al Waxman. And there was a famous Toronto band called Kensington Market with their hit, I Would Be The One. But nothing could prepare me for the unique vibe of the place.
This photo shows the storefront of Stranger Cole Roots Records. Cole is a Jamaican singer who set up this shop in the 1970s. Empty boxes from a nearby produce store litter the sidewalk. A man in a retro suit looks lost in thought. And I just happened to be passing by with my Rollei 35S.
Nice capture of a time now gone. Looks much like I remember it from the 1960’s.
Thank you, Hugh. I hear it’s still a happening place.
Do you sometimes miss Toronto?
Yes, there are many things I miss in Toronto. But overall, I’m happier living a quiet life in the country.
Timing is everything! Love this shot. That’s kind of how I still picture the market even though it has changed a lot.
Thank you, Doreen. I haven’t been to the market for many years–it’s nice to remember it by these old photos.
Its not so long ago, but it feels very long ago…
I think 35 years counts as the not-too-distant past.
Rolling through his old stomping grounds a year ago with Stranger Cole himself:
Thanks for this, Graeme.