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Women picking fruit in Kent during World War One, 1916
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Women picking fruit in Kent during World War One, 1916
Female fruit-pickers in the fruit gardens and orchards of Evesham, picking strawberries and gooseberries to be made into jam for British troops; just one of the traditionally male roles taken over by women during the First World War.
1916
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Media ID 14137013
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Evesham Gooseberries Harvest Harvesting Jobs Orchards Pickers Picking Roles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in time during World War One when the traditional roles of men were disrupted, leading women and girls to take on new responsibilities in the English countryside. In the fruit gardens and orchards of Evesham, Kent, in 1916, these women and girls are seen picking strawberries and gooseberries with great focus and determination. The fruit was destined to be made into jam for the British troops fighting on the front lines, a task that would have typically been carried out by men. The First World War brought about a significant shift in gender roles, as men left to fight, and women were left to keep the home front running. Agriculture, including fruit picking, became one of the many sectors where women's labor was essential. The image of women working in the fields, dressed in their simple yet practical attire, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and adaptations made during this period. The serene setting of the garden, with its lush greenery and vibrant fruit, contrasts sharply with the harsh realities of war. Yet, the women's unwavering dedication to their work is evident in their determined expressions and the pails full of ripe fruit at their feet. This photograph is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the British people during World War One, as they adapted to new circumstances and took on roles that were once considered the exclusive domain of men.
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