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Assistant Collection (#22)

"Unsung Heroes: The Vital Role of the Assistant Throughout History" From bricklayers in 1827 to the brave engineers aboard the ill-fated Titanic

Background imageAssistant Collection: The Showman

The Showman
A street entertainer sets up his stand, while his assistant blows his trumpet to attract an audience

Background imageAssistant Collection: Cap Vendors Shop, China

Cap Vendors Shop, China
CHINA A cap vendors shop in Canton; a customer smokes a long pipe while another is helped with his choice of caps; an assistant makes tea

Background imageAssistant Collection: Sculpting Animals

Sculpting Animals
Waterstone Hawkins and an assistant in his workshop, creating the prehistoric animal sculptures for the grounds of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham

Background imageAssistant Collection: Knife Thrower / Circa 1880

Knife Thrower / Circa 1880
A knife thrower in leotard and tights prepares to throw another blade at his blindfolded assistant who is tied down to make sure she doesn t accidently flinch

Background imageAssistant Collection: Strawberry Seller 1877

Strawberry Seller 1877
A young woman and her boy assistant sell strawberries from the back of a cart in London

Background imageAssistant Collection: Apothecary 1505

Apothecary 1505
An apothecary in his shop instructs his assistant in the use of the various drugs in his repertoire

Background imageAssistant Collection: Phone Box in Shop

Phone Box in Shop
Before the introduction of telephone kiosks, instruments were frequently made access- -ible to the public in shops such as this pharmacy where an assistant assist a customer

Background imageAssistant Collection: Lung Test / Monkey

Lung Test / Monkey
A veterinary surgeon and his assistant test a monkeys lungs at the zoo hospital

Background imageAssistant Collection: Choosing a Chorus Girl

Choosing a Chorus Girl - a producer and his assistant assess candidates for their next revue : C B Cochran was the best-known British impresario in this field

Background imageAssistant Collection: The Shooting Gallery

The Shooting Gallery
Visitors at the Shooting Gallery Mr Smallweed, carried in by two beggars, and Judy pay a visit to George Rouncewell and his assistant Phil Squod

Background imageAssistant Collection: Pyne - Pottery

Pyne - Pottery
A POTTERY A potter and his assistant making red pottery, with a young boy to help

Background imageAssistant Collection: First Day at School 2

First Day at School 2
The teachers assistant receives Mary and Willie at the school door

Background imageAssistant Collection: Japanese Paramedics

Japanese Paramedics
The traveling doctor in his distinctive dress is a common and often welcome sight in rural Japan : his assistant carries a box of medicaments of questionable efficacy

Background imageAssistant Collection: 17th C Taylor

17th C Taylor
Taylor in his workshop cutting cloth while an assistant sews

Background imageAssistant Collection: A Mountebank

A Mountebank
Mountebanck or Charlatan or Ciarlatano with patent medicines and monkey assistant

Background imageAssistant Collection: Elixir of Life

Elixir of Life
The alchemist Margrave prepares the ELIXIR OF LIFE with the help of the Veiled Woman named Ayesha, and the narrator as assistant

Background imageAssistant Collection: C16 Alchemists

C16 Alchemists
An alchemist and his assistant heat the substances whose essence will collect in the flasks at the top of the apparatus, shedding impurities as they rise up the column

Background imageAssistant Collection: Alchemists Lab

Alchemists Lab
An alchemist works at his furnace while his assistant feels the heat

Background imageAssistant Collection: MENs & WOMENs GLOVES

MENs & WOMENs GLOVES
A lady tries on some gloves. An advertisement showing womens gloves with a decorative stitched cuff & a pair of mens gloves

Background imageAssistant Collection: Animal Magnetism

Animal Magnetism
Satire on the gullibility of the public - a monkey mesmerises the audience while his assistant picks their pockets

Background imageAssistant Collection: Dee and Kelley

Dee and Kelley
DR JOHN DEE and his assistant EDWARD KELLEY (with whom he exchanged wives from time to time) working magic

Background imageAssistant Collection: Boyle and Papin

Boyle and Papin
Sir Robert Boyle and his assistant, Denis Papin, at work in the laboratory

Background imageAssistant Collection: Curry&rice / Magistrate

Curry&rice / Magistrate
A joint (=assistant) magistrate reads the newspaper on the veranda




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"Unsung Heroes: The Vital Role of the Assistant Throughout History" From bricklayers in 1827 to the brave engineers aboard the ill-fated Titanic, assistants have played a crucial role in various fields. Just like Sherlock Holmes relied on his trusted companion Dr. John Watson, these unsung heroes have supported and aided their counterparts throughout history. In an illustration by Sidney Paget for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Adventure of Silver Blaze" (1892), we catch a glimpse of Holmes and Watson working together to solve mysteries that baffle others. Their partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between mastermind and assistant. While some assistants worked alongside skilled craftsmen like those at Meccano, Barley & Son in Bath, others embraced modern technology such as electric chainsaws to enhance productivity. These individuals were instrumental in revolutionizing industries with their innovative approaches. Horrockses, Crewdson & Co Ltd from Preston, Lancashire employed dedicated assistants who contributed to the creation of exquisite fabrics like St. Luke painting the Virgin (1602). Their attention to detail ensured that every stroke was captured flawlessly on canvas or panel. Not all assistants were confined to artistic endeavors; some found themselves immersed in historical events. Take Jeremiah dictating his prophecies to Baruch (650-585 BC) – an example of how even prophets needed assistance when conveying divine messages. In moments of frustration or humor, assistants also made their mark. H. M Bateman's depiction shows a shop assistant losing his temper – reminding us that even those who assist can sometimes be pushed beyond their limits. Assistantship extended beyond professional realms as well; Lady Cynthia Colville is seen with her loyal companions David, Philip, and Jock - highlighting how personal aides provided support and companionship within aristocratic circles. Finally, let us not forget the royal treasure guarded by diligent assistants - gold, silver lapis lazuli obsidian adorning splendid swords of kings.