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16 stunning vintage busking pictures

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

1. String quartet at Bond Street, 1979

Playing on the platform, this string quartet delight London's tube passengers. Picture: Getty
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. In the West End, 1955

This merry gaggle play in the heart of London's West End. Picture: Getty
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. German band in 1911

More than just oom-pah... Picture: Getty
6. An Italian harpist in London, 1877

Entertaining the crowds in 19th Century London. Picture: Getty
7. Blind harpist in Paraguay, 1955

Playing the harp simply by touch, this blind busker performs on his porch. Picture: Getty
8. Theatreland, 1929

What a way to entertain the queues in London's West End. Picture: Getty
9. Violin and organ, 1955

Nice shades: this busker has a distinct mid-1950s cool about him. Picture: Getty
10. Violinist outside shop, 1966

Age doesn't put her off - this lady valiantly busks outside a shop window. Picture: Getty
11. Violinist and monkey, 1932

The streets of Ilford, Essex, were no doubt treated to a fine performance. Picture: Getty
12. Violinist and monkey, 1932

Picture: Getty
13. More monkey music

What is it with violinists and monkeys? Picture: Getty
14. Thames bargeman, 1935

Singing while he works on the Thames in London. Picture: Getty
15. Budapest violinist, 1947

A haunting image of a Hungarian violinist on the streets of Budapest. Picture: Getty
16. Organ grinder in London, 1949

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