Spider 51/100

I walked out of Eastleigh Shopping Centre and I noticed Spider (Ian) fiddling with a pocket watch, the chain of which appeared to be snagged in his waistcoat.

 

His head was bowed and I couldn't see he face, but his striking blazer, hat, shirt and highly polished (bulled) shoes were real attention grabbers.

 

I approached and initiated a conversation re his smart dress. I thought perhaps he was ex-military as bulled shoes isn't something you see every day. This wasn't the case however, Spider was in town to do some business and takes pride over his appearance.

 

Spider originates from Acton, West London and had been involved in a long running family auction business all his life. I asked Spider about his tattoos, he has been a lover of spiders all his life and has one on his cheek and on both ear lobes.

 

I asked if the teardrop tattoos held any significance. They were in memory of his late grandfather an influential character in his life who was greatly missed, every morning when he sees the reflection, he utters a "Hello Grandad" to himself.

 

A very nice all round gent!

 

Spider is No. 51 in my 100 strangers project.

 

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

 

 

 

Done