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Woman sitting in her own home in South London, making the hat boxes for a supplier that
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Woman sitting in her own home in South London, making the hat boxes for a supplier that
Woman sitting in her own home in South London, making the hat boxes for a supplier that make silk hats for the richer society. The hat boxes are covered with glazed paper which is stuck together with paste and the bottom of the box are sewn together with thread. When she completes a gross (144), she will receive half-a-crown. Date: 1890s
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Media ID 20951971
© Mary Evans Picture Library
%unrestricted Boxes Conditions Cramped Glue Makes Paste Pasting Poor Rich Sewing Trades Hatboxes
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In this evocative photograph from the 1890s, a determined woman sits in the cramped confines of her South London home, engrossed in the meticulous craft of making hat boxes. The hats inside these exquisite containers would eventually grace the heads of the richer echelons of Victorian society, adorned with silk fabrics that shimmered in the light of grand balls and elegant soirees. The woman's workspace is cluttered with the tools of her trade: piles of glazed paper, brushes laden with gum or paste, and spools of thread. The air is thick with the scent of adhesive and the quiet hum of industry. With each deft movement of her nimble fingers, she covers the hat boxes with the intricately patterned paper, smoothing out any creases or air bubbles. Once the paper is securely in place, she meticulously sews the bottom of the box together, ensuring a sturdy foundation for the precious hats within. When she completes a gross (144) of these hat boxes, she will be rewarded with a modest half-a-crown. The woman's expression reveals a mixture of focus and weariness, a testament to the long hours and arduous labor that went into her creations. Despite the meager pay and cramped conditions, she continues to work, driven by the knowledge that her artistry contributes to the fashionable world beyond her humble home. This photograph offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of working women during the Victorian era, highlighting the intricate interplay between the trades of hat making and hat box crafting, and the stark contrast between the rich and the poor. The woman's quiet determination and unwavering dedication to her work serve as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of those who labored to bring beauty and elegance to the world, even under the most challenging circumstances.
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