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School Board children bathing in Victoria Park, London
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
School Board children bathing in Victoria Park, London
School Board children bathing in the open air in Victoria Park, East London
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4307001
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10006662
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a group of School Board children enjoying a refreshing bathing experience in the open air of Victoria Park, East London, in the late 1880s. The image showcases a unique moment in history, as these boys take a break from their rigorous schooling to engage in a communal swim. The School Board, established in 1870, aimed to provide free, compulsory education for children in the working-class areas of London. With limited resources and facilities, the School Board organized outdoor activities, such as this bathing session, to promote physical health and wellbeing. Victoria Park, opened in 1887, was an essential green space for the local community, offering respite from the crowded and polluted living conditions of East London. The park's large, open-air bathing ponds provided an affordable alternative to private swimming pools and bathhouses, making water activities accessible to a broader population. The boys in the photograph appear to be fully engaged in their swimming experience, with some diving into the water from the makeshift diving board, while others lounge on the grassy banks. Their laughter and joy are palpable, illustrating the importance of recreation and community in the lives of these children. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the historical significance of public education and the role of community spaces in promoting health, happiness, and social connections. The 1880s marked a period of transformation in London, as the city underwent rapid industrialization and urbanization. This photograph offers a glimpse into the daily lives of working-class children during this time, providing valuable insights into their experiences and the importance of community and education in shaping their futures.
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