Stonebreakers Collection

Wesleyan Chapel, Stanhope Street, Liverpool, engraved by J. Smith (engraving)
XJF497292 Wesleyan Chapel, Stanhope Street, Liverpool, engraved by J. Smith (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

The Labour Yard of the Bethnal Green Employment Association, from The Illustrated
XJF405725 The Labour Yard of the Bethnal Green Employment Association, from The Illustrated London News, 1868 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English

Boys breaking stones in quarry, Mettray Colony, France
Boys at work breaking stones in a quarry at the agricultural colony for delinquent boys at Mettray, near Tours, France. In the 1840s

Saxifraga Elizabethe, a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Stribrnyi, a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Aizoon, with Lutea and Rosea varieties
Saxifraga Aizoon (Livelong Saxifrage), a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Faldonside, a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Lingulata in the Malby garden
Saxifraga Lingulata, of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Umbrosa Pectinata (Partridgefoot), a plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Rosacea (Irish Saxifrage), a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Rotundifolia and Soldanella Alpina
Saxifraga Rotundifolia (Round-Leaved Saxifrage) (right), a plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between)

Saxifraga Cotyledon Pyramidalis (Great Alpine Rockfoil, Greater Evergreen Saxifrage, Maiden Saxifrage), a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family

Saxifraga Cespitosa (Tufted Saxifrage), a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Palmata, growing by steps
Saxifraga Palmata, a plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Longifolia, often called the King of Saxifrages, a Pyrenean plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks)

Saxifraga Suendermannii, a perennial alpine plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Macnabiana, a plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Grisebachii, a flowering evergreen plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Paradoxa, a hardy alpine plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Peltata (Umbrella Plant), a plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Oppositifolia Splendens, a plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga varieties in a rocky setting
Varieties of Saxifraga, of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Oppositifolia, a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Burseriana Gloria, a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Cotyledon Pyramidalis Icelandica (Great Alpine Rockfoil, Greater Evergreen Saxifrage, Maiden Saxifrage), a flowering plant of the Saxifragaceae family

Saxifraga Cotyledon on a mountainside
Saxifraga Cotyledon, a perennial of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

Saxifraga Andrewsii covered with frost
Saxifraga Andrewsii, a perennial of the Saxifragaceae family (commonly known as saxifrages or stone breakers because of their ability to grow in the cracks between rocks)

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"Unveiling the Grit: A Journey through Stonebreakers" Step into history as we explore the world of stonebreakers, a laborious yet essential occupation that shaped communities and landscapes. Our first stop takes us to the Wesleyan Chapel on Stanhope Street in Liverpool, where an engraving by J. Smith captures the essence of this backbreaking work. The image portrays men toiling away, their sweat glistening under the unforgiving sun. Next, we venture into The Labour Yard of the Bethnal Green Employment Association, depicted in vivid detail within The Illustrated. Here, amidst piles of rubble and dust-filled air, workers diligently break stones for construction projects that will transform their city. Crossing borders to France, we witness young boys breaking stones in a quarry at Mettray Colony. Their small frames belie their strength as they contribute to society's progress with unwavering determination. Amidst these scenes of human perseverance emerge delicate blooms like Saxifraga Elizabethe and Saxifraga Stribrnyi - nature's reminder that beauty can arise from even the harshest environments. In gardens across Malby garden lies Saxifraga Lingulata – its vibrant petals standing tall against adversity just like those who tirelessly broke stones day after day. From Ireland comes Saxifraga Rosacea (Irish Saxifrage), symbolizing resilience rooted deep within cultures that have endured countless challenges throughout history. As our journey nears its end, we encounter Saxifraga Rotundifolia and Soldanella Alpina - two species intertwined like stonebreakers' lives entwined with their craft; each reliant on one another for survival. Finally, we marvel at Saxifraga Cotyledon Pyramidalis – a testament to human ingenuity as it thrives despite rocky terrain much like stonebreakers who found ways to persevere amid the toughest conditions.