The Disappearing Store Front

Manhattan 1963-2007

New York has some of the most iconic store fronts in the world. But they are rapidly disappearing as the local "mom and pop" shops close down in this flagging economy and the big bad developers come and swallow up the precious real estate.

James and Karla Murray want to make sure we don't forget these wonderful urban icons. As highly recognized photographers who specialize in urban photography and whose work is found in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and the New York Public library, the Murrays have captured the "rich cultural experience" of the local New York neighborhood through its shops.

SoHo. Closed 2008

Brooklyn 1969 - 2007

Brooklyn

Little Italy in the Bronx 1938-2006

Manhattan

Brooklyn 1953-2008

Brooklyn. Closed 2006

Harlem

You can either buy this wonderful work at Clic Gallery or you can purchase the beautiful coffee table book at Amazon. This has inspired me to go and find my own local shop fronts now before they also disappear.

Images: James & Karla Murray