This collection looks ostensibly at the changes in the social strata and the distribution of wealth in the latter part of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th century.

The real Peaky Blinders were first mentioned in the press in 1890, following the serious assault of 'an innocent'. Their first publicly named member was Mr Henry Lightfoot, and their members were as young as twelve years old.

Identified by their colourful neck attire and peaked caps; they terrorised, intimidated and pick-pocketed their neighbourhood of Small Heath in Birmingham.

By 1900, they no longer existed. The intervention of the government employing ruthless policing; alongside changes in the law regarding the compulsory attendance of school for children - these gangs slowly died out.

In post Industrial Revolution and the dying days of the British Empire - the distribution of wealth changed. The industrialists became as rich or richer then the 'old money class' and living conditions consequently changed for the swelling ranks of the new working class.

In this series of works we see this cross section of life. The Lords enjoying the Derby at Newmarket in 1915, seemingly unconcerned World War I was in full flow.

There is a former 'Peaky', sporting a bowler hat, now climbing the social ladder, working for a titled member of the British Jockey Club - all be it as a 'minder'.

There is also the horse trainer, who finds  himself in the world of the rich, by virtue of his employment. The world he finds himself in, would soon be heavily corrupted by illegal bookmakers and extortionists, including the infamous Billy Kimber.

Lastly we see an 'Angel of the House' a young lady from the slums, hired to work as a front in an illegal bookmakers, operating out of a terraced house.

Dickens quote
'My floating chariot bore me over a great city. Its faint dull sound steamed up into the air - a sound - how composed? “How many hopeless cries,” thought I, “and how many mad shouts go to make up the tumult, here so faint where I float in eternal peace, knowing that they will one day be stilled in the surrounding calm, and that despair dies into infinite hope, and that the seeming impossible there, is the law here! But, O pale-faced women, and gloomy-browed men, and forgotten children, how I will wait on you, and minister to you, and, putting my arms about you in the dark, think hope unto your hearts, when you fancy no one is near!'

At a time of social change, post industrial revolution and in the death throws of the Empire, the slums of Britain engorged with resentment and anger, spewed forth street gangs to take what they could, with little or nothing to lose. . .