In the summer of 1954, the streets of London were overrun with rambunctious kids enjoying their time off from school.

Photographer Thurston Hopkins took note of the chaos and followed along with several gangs of hyperactive moppets, snapping shots as they turned grimy streets and alleyways into playgrounds.
His photos were published in Picture Post as a photo essay entitled “Children of the Streets.”

 

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

Kids on the Streets in Postwar London

(Photos: Thurston Hopkins/Picture Post/Getty Images, via Mashable/Retronaut)