Pictures of Lower East Side of New York City in 1980

In 1980, photographer Brian Rose documented the streets and buildings of New York City's Lower East Side, with fellow photographer Ed Fausty. It was the neighborhood's darkest, but most creative moment. While buildings crumbled and burned, artists and musicians came to explore and express the edgy quality of the place.

East 4th Street between the Bowery and Second Avenue, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

Orchard/Delancey Street, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

Houston Street, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

Henry Street, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

East 5th Street, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

East 4th Street between Avenue B and C, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

Ludlow Street, Puerto Rican Independence mural, 1980 © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty

(Photos © Brian Rose/Ed Fausty)