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    16 stunning vintage busking pictures

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    These pictures of street musicians throughout history are beautiful, haunting and thoroughly interesting.

    1. Vintage busking pictures

      1. String quartet at Bond Street, 1979

      Playing on the platform, this string quartet delight London's tube passengers. Picture: Getty

    2. Vintage busking pictures

      2. Violinist in Mexico, 1968

      This blind musician knows that it doesn't matter how you play, it's how you feel it. Picture: Getty

    3. Vintage busking pictures

      3. In the West End, 1955

      This merry gaggle play in the heart of London's West End. Picture: Getty

    4. Vintage busking pictures

      4. Outside the V&A museum

      This violinist spies a crowd outside London's Victoria & Albert museum and spots an opportunity to entertain. Picture: Getty

    5. Vintage busking pictures

      5. German band in 1911

      More than just oom-pah... Picture: Getty

    6. Vintage busking pictures

      6. An Italian harpist in London, 1877

      Entertaining the crowds in 19th Century London. Picture: Getty

    7. Vintage busking pictures

      7. Blind harpist in Paraguay, 1955

      Playing the harp simply by touch, this blind busker performs on his porch. Picture: Getty

    8. Vintage busking pictures

      8. Theatreland, 1929

      What a way to entertain the queues in London's West End. Picture: Getty

    9. Vintage busking pictures

      9. Violin and organ, 1955

      Nice shades: this busker has a distinct mid-1950s cool about him. Picture: Getty

    10. Vintage busking pictures

      10. Violinist outside shop, 1966

      Age doesn't put her off - this lady valiantly busks outside a shop window. Picture: Getty

    11. Vintage busking pictures

      11. Violinist and monkey, 1932

      The streets of Ilford, Essex, were no doubt treated to a fine performance. Picture: Getty

    12. Vintage busking pictures

      12. Violinist and monkey, 1932

      Picture: Getty

    13. Vintage busking pictures

      13. More monkey music

      What is it with violinists and monkeys? Picture: Getty

    14. Vintage busking pictures

      14. Thames bargeman, 1935

      Singing while he works on the Thames in London. Picture: Getty

    15. Vintage busking pictures

      15. Budapest violinist, 1947

      A haunting image of a Hungarian violinist on the streets of Budapest. Picture: Getty

    16. Vintage busking pictures

      16. Organ grinder in London, 1949

      Entertaining the crowds on a foggy day. Nice hats. Picture: Getty

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