Skip to main content

Cleaner Collection (#8)

In the early 1900s, the concept of a "cleaner" took on a whole new meaning

Background imageCleaner Collection: Mother Nature (pen, ink and w / c on paper)

Mother Nature (pen, ink and w / c on paper)
CH139963 Mother Nature (pen, ink and w/c on paper) by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); 35.6x30.2 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

Background imageCleaner Collection: Cinderella, 1897 (lithography)

Cinderella, 1897 (lithography)
398335 Cinderella, 1897 (lithography) by Hardy, Dudley (1867-1922); JMK Archiv, Bremen, Germany; (add.info.: Affiche de Dudley Hardy, Angleterre and Waterlow & Sons Ltd. Lith)

Background imageCleaner Collection: The royal lottery (Engraving, 17th century)

The royal lottery (Engraving, 17th century)
LRI4676087 The royal lottery (Engraving, 17th century) by French School, (17th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90037449

DDE-90037449
Indo-Pacific. Cleaner shrimp on coral cod, or cephalopholis miniata. Date: 01/03/2005

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90027083

DDE-90027083
Yellownose Goby (Elacatinus randalli) & Great Star Coral (Montastraea cavernosa), Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean Date: 07/11/2007

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90027079

DDE-90027079
Yellownose Goby (Elacatinus randalli) & Great Star Coral (Montastraea cavernosa), Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean Date: 07/11/2007

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90024896

DDE-90024896
Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat. A cleaner fish at the mouth of a sweetlip fish. Date: 21/05/2009

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90024824

DDE-90024824
Surgeonfish, Raja Ampat Islands, Irian Jaya, West Papua, Indonesia. Date: 12/08/2006

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90024738

DDE-90024738
Indonesia, Raja Ampat. Cleaner wrasse fish on coral reef. Date: 19/05/2006

Background imageCleaner Collection: DDE-90024574

DDE-90024574
Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Komodo National Park. Adult angelfish being cleaned by small fish. Date: 11/02/2005

Background imageCleaner Collection: Government charwoman cleaning after regular... Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Government charwoman cleaning after regular... Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Background imageCleaner Collection: Dresser in the bedroom of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, Washington, D. C. 1942

Dresser in the bedroom of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Dresser in the bedroom of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman

Background imageCleaner Collection: View from the bedroom window of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government worker, Washington, D. C. 1942

View from the bedroom window of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government worker, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. View from the bedroom window of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government worker

Background imageCleaner Collection: Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman and her adopted daughter, Washington, D. C. 1942

Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman and her adopted daughter, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman and her adopted daughter

Background imageCleaner Collection: Adopted daughter and two grandchildren with Mrs. Ella Watson... charwoman, Washington, D.C, 1942

Adopted daughter and two grandchildren with Mrs. Ella Watson... charwoman, Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Adopted daughter and two grandchildren with Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman

Background imageCleaner Collection: Mrs. Ella Watson, who has been a government charwoman... Washington, D.C. 1942

Mrs. Ella Watson, who has been a government charwoman... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, who has been a government charwoman for twenty-six years, with three of the five children she supports on her salary of one thousand eighty dollars per year

Background imageCleaner Collection: Government charwoman cleaning offices, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Government charwoman cleaning offices, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning offices. Her working hours are from 5:30 till 1 a.m. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Background imageCleaner Collection: Saturday afternoon, 7th Street and Florida Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. 1942

Saturday afternoon, 7th Street and Florida Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Saturday afternoon, 7th Street and Florida Avenue, N.W. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Background imageCleaner Collection: Grandchild of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, taking her... nap, Washington, D.C, 1942

Grandchild of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, taking her... nap, Washington, D.C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Grandchild of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, taking her afternoon nap

Background imageCleaner Collection: Dinner time at the home of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, Washington, D. C. 1942

Dinner time at the home of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Dinner time at the home of Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman

Background imageCleaner Collection: Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman going home... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman going home... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman going home from work at 2 a.m

Background imageCleaner Collection: Government charwoman who provides for a family of six on her salary... Washington, D.C. 1942

Government charwoman who provides for a family of six on her salary... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman who provides for a family of six on her salary of one thousand and eighty dollars per year. She puts ten percent of her salary in war bonds. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Background imageCleaner Collection: Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours, Washington, D. C. 1942

Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning after regular working hours. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Background imageCleaner Collection: Government charwoman cleaning after regular hours, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Government charwoman cleaning after regular hours, Washington, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman cleaning after regular hours

Background imageCleaner Collection: Government charwoman, Washington, D. C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Government charwoman, Washington, D. C, 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Government charwoman. [Mrs Ella Watson]

Background imageCleaner Collection: Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ella Watson, a government charwoman, with three grandchildren and her adopted daughter

Background imageCleaner Collection: City sanitation workman washing streets at Fulton fish market, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks

City sanitation workman washing streets at Fulton fish market, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
City sanitation workman washing streets at Fulton fish market. New York, New York

Background imageCleaner Collection: Charwoman cleaning after regular working hours... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks

Charwoman cleaning after regular working hours... Washington, D.C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Washington, D.C. Charwoman cleaning after regular working hours at the Office of the Registrar of the Treasury

Background imageCleaner Collection: Late evening scene at the Fulton fish market, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks

Late evening scene at the Fulton fish market, New York, 1943. Creator: Gordon Parks
New York, New York. Late evening scene at the Fulton fish market

Background imageCleaner Collection: Workmen from the sanitary department flushing the street in front of the Fulton... New York, 1943

Workmen from the sanitary department flushing the street in front of the Fulton... New York, 1943
New York, New York. Workmen from the sanitary department flushing the street in front of the Fulton fish market late in the evening

Background imageCleaner Collection: Silhouettes, 1830 (Watercolour)

Silhouettes, 1830 (Watercolour)
7261322 Silhouettes, 1830 (Watercolour) by Edouart, Augustin Amant Constant Fidele (1789-1861); Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, Kent, UK; (add.info.: Watercolour drawing)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Three theatrical figures: King Lear, Cordelia, and Maid, 17th century (Chalk)

Three theatrical figures: King Lear, Cordelia, and Maid, 17th century (Chalk)
7261579 Three theatrical figures: King Lear, Cordelia, and Maid, 17th century (Chalk) by French School, (17th century); 19.5x32 cm; Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, Kent

Background imageCleaner Collection: Stone buildings, washing line and lily pond, 1800-65 (Watercolour)

Stone buildings, washing line and lily pond, 1800-65 (Watercolour)
7261670 Stone buildings, washing line and lily pond, 1800-65 (Watercolour) by Pretty, Edward (1792-1865); 20.5x28 cm; Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, Kent, UK; (add.info.: Stone buildings)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Study of old house, 1800-59 (Watercolour)

Study of old house, 1800-59 (Watercolour)
7261564 Study of old house, 1800-59 (Watercolour) by Cox, David (1783-1859); 18x23 cm; Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, Kent, UK; (add.info.: Study of old house)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Procession of Queen Louise de Lorraine-Vaudemont (1553-1601) Leaving the Palais du Louvre for

Procession of Queen Louise de Lorraine-Vaudemont (1553-1601) Leaving the Palais du Louvre for the Maison de Charite
XIR232806 Procession of Queen Louise de Lorraine-Vaudemont (1553-1601) Leaving the Palais du Louvre for the Maison de Charite, 1584 (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by Houel, Nicolas (c.1524-87) (attr)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Queen Elizabeth washes her hands in a bowl held by her page boy. 1928 (print)

Queen Elizabeth washes her hands in a bowl held by her page boy. 1928 (print)
7237138 Queen Elizabeth washes her hands in a bowl held by her page boy. 1928 (print) by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Costume of a page to King Henry III of France, 1580. 1825 (lithograph)

Costume of a page to King Henry III of France, 1580. 1825 (lithograph)
7236850 Costume of a page to King Henry III of France, 1580. 1825 (lithograph) by Lecomte, Hippolyte (1781-1857) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Page of the French Royal Bedchamber to King Louis XVIII. 1825 (lithograph)

Page of the French Royal Bedchamber to King Louis XVIII. 1825 (lithograph)
7236944 Page of the French Royal Bedchamber to King Louis XVIII. 1825 (lithograph) by Lecomte, Hippolyte (1781-1857); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageCleaner Collection: A noble woman at her toilette in 18th century France. 1928 (print)

A noble woman at her toilette in 18th century France. 1928 (print)
7237139 A noble woman at her toilette in 18th century France. 1928 (print) by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageCleaner Collection: A noble woman burns incense in a palanquin, ancient India 1928 (print)

A noble woman burns incense in a palanquin, ancient India 1928 (print)
7237136 A noble woman burns incense in a palanquin, ancient India 1928 (print) by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageCleaner Collection: South Woodlands Manor House (litho)

South Woodlands Manor House (litho)
7165737 South Woodlands Manor House (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: South Woodlands Manor House)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Purton Church Farm (litho)

Purton Church Farm (litho)
7165733 Purton Church Farm (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: Purton Church Farm)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Corsley Manor House (litho)

Corsley Manor House (litho)
7165729 Corsley Manor House (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: Corsley Manor House)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Bullidge House, Allington (litho)

Bullidge House, Allington (litho)
7165725 Bullidge House, Allington (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bullidge House, Allington)

Background imageCleaner Collection: South Wraxall Manor House, Gatehouse (litho)

South Wraxall Manor House, Gatehouse (litho)
7165717 South Wraxall Manor House, Gatehouse (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: South Wraxall Manor House, Gatehouse)

Background imageCleaner Collection: South Wraxall Manor House (litho)

South Wraxall Manor House (litho)
7165716 South Wraxall Manor House (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: South Wraxall Manor House)

Background imageCleaner Collection: Restrop, near Purton (litho)

Restrop, near Purton (litho)
7165715 Restrop, near Purton (litho) by Elyard, Samuel John (1817-1910); Private Collection; (add.info.: Restrop, near Purton)




For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

In the early 1900s, the concept of a "cleaner" took on a whole new meaning. From the upright Hoover to the Western Electric vacuum cleaner, these innovative devices revolutionized household cleaning. Advertisements depicted women patiently using their vacuum cleaners, showcasing how effortless and efficient cleaning could be. But it wasn't just homes that benefited from this technological advancement. Even wireless communication systems were not spared from the power of suction as they were seen being meticulously cleaned by diligent individuals. The bustling High Street in Tonbridge, Kent was no exception to this trend. Follows & Bates winding machines advertised their services with pride, ensuring that every intricate detail was spotless and well-maintained. As time went on, even more advancements in cleaning technology emerged. The Daisy vacuum cleaner made its debut in 1912, promising an even easier way to keep homes dust-free and pristine. Beyond domestic settings, establishments like The Bull and Swan Inn in Stamford, Northants relied on cleanliness to attract customers. A black-and-white photograph captured its charm while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean environment for patrons' enjoyment. Artists also found inspiration in depicting scenes related to cleanliness. "The Chess Game" painted in 1896 showcased meticulous attention to detail as players engaged in a strategic battle amidst a pristine setting. Similarly, "Cup of Chocolate; La Tasse du Chocolat" portrayed an elegant scene where cleanliness played an essential role in creating an inviting atmosphere for indulging one's senses. Even public spaces such as Dunville Park and Royal Victoria Hospital on Falls Rd. , Belfast recognized the significance of cleanliness for health and wellbeing purposes. And let's not forget about those who dedicated themselves to keeping our railways spick and span - railway cleaners ensured that trains ran smoothly without any dirt or debris hindering their journey. Lastly but certainly not leastly (if that is indeed a word), women window cleaners defied societal norms by taking on this physically demanding and traditionally male-dominated profession.