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Close Shave Collection

"Close Shave: A Glimpse into the Dramas and Humor of Barbering" Step into the world of barbershops

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Hand-Ball Playing in Ireland (engraving)

Hand-Ball Playing in Ireland (engraving)
6016560 Hand-Ball Playing in Ireland (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hand-Ball Playing in Ireland)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: A curious episode of the barbers strike in Treviso (colour litho)

A curious episode of the barbers strike in Treviso (colour litho)
2808892 A curious episode of the barbers strike in Treviso (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: A curious episode of the barbers strike in Treviso)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Black Barberism (engraving)

Black Barberism (engraving)
7164381 Black Barberism (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Black Barberism. Illustration for The Comic Annual by Thomas Hood)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: The monkey shaving (engraving)

The monkey shaving (engraving)
7192845 The monkey shaving (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The monkey shaving)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, satirical suggestion for an advertisement for Pears soap (engraving)

Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, satirical suggestion for an advertisement for Pears soap (engraving)
7173243 Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, satirical suggestion for an advertisement for Pears soap (engraving) by English School

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Shaving the head (engraving)

Shaving the head (engraving)
7192886 Shaving the head (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Shaving the head. Illustration for The Land of the Bible)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Men being groomed in a barbers shop (litho)

Men being groomed in a barbers shop (litho)
7154202 Men being groomed in a barbers shop (litho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Men being groomed in a barbers shop.); Look and Learn / Barbara Loe Collection

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Delilah cutting Samsons hair (engraving)

Delilah cutting Samsons hair (engraving)
7172336 Delilah cutting Samsons hair (engraving) by European School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Delilah cutting Samsons hair (Judges 16)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: T McAvity And Sons, razors, advertisement (litho)

T McAvity And Sons, razors, advertisement (litho)
7154208 T McAvity And Sons, razors, advertisement (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: T McAvity And Sons, razors)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: John Pitt Shaving and Hairdressing Saloon, advertisement (litho)

John Pitt Shaving and Hairdressing Saloon, advertisement (litho)
7154203 John Pitt Shaving and Hairdressing Saloon, advertisement (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Pitt Shaving and Hairdressing Saloon)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: A Close Shave, an Incident in the Fight at Dordrecht (litho)

A Close Shave, an Incident in the Fight at Dordrecht (litho)
1048816 A Close Shave, an Incident in the Fight at Dordrecht (litho) by Charlton, John (1849-1917) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Close Shave, an Incident in the Fight at Dordrecht)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: A Close Shave (colour litho)

A Close Shave (colour litho)
5209444 A Close Shave (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Close Shave. Illustration for Brighton and its Coaches by William C A Blew)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: The Contest for the 'America'Cup (litho)

The Contest for the "America"Cup (litho)
1043192 The Contest for the " America" Cup (litho) by Walker, T. Dart (fl.1850-d.1914); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Contest for the " America" Cup)

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Bonnie Langford, joins Colin Baker as Doctor Who in episode nine of '

Bonnie Langford, joins Colin Baker as Doctor Who in episode nine of " The Trial of a Time Lord. Langford plays Melanie a 21 year old computer programmer

Background imageClose Shave Collection: Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aeronaut, unsuccessful attempt at the Deutsch Prize

Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aeronaut, unsuccessful attempt at the Deutsch Prize
Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aeronaut, dirigibles and aeroplanes. Santos-Dumont coming to grief in his airship on roof of house in Quai de Passy, Paris



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"Close Shave: A Glimpse into the Dramas and Humor of Barbering" Step into the world of barbershops, where they are not just about removing facial hair but also encompass thrilling tales and unexpected encounters. From hand-ball playing in Ireland to a tragic incident involving a lion, these captivating engravings and lithographs reveal the diverse facets of this age-old profession. In "Hand-Ball Playing in Ireland, " we witness the camaraderie among barbers as they take a break from their craft to engage in a lively game. Their skillful hands on the ball mirror their expertise with razors, showcasing both their athleticism and precision. However, not all moments within barbershops are filled with joyous laughter. In "The Dramas of the Menagerie, " tragedy strikes when a barber meets his untimely demise while shaving a tamer inside an exhibition cage. This chilling color lithograph reminds us that even seemingly mundane tasks can carry unforeseen dangers. On a lighter note, "A Curious Episode of the Barbers Strike in Treviso" depicts an amusing scene during labor unrest. Colorful characters protest outside a barber shop adorned with vibrant banners demanding fair treatment for their trade. This satirical lithograph highlights how even serious matters can be approached with humor. Exploring further, we stumble upon "Black Barberism, " an engraving shedding light on racial dynamics within barbershops. It prompts reflection on historical inequalities while acknowledging black barbers' significant contributions to grooming traditions throughout history. But it's not only humans who experience close shaves; animals too have had their share. In "The Monkey Shaving, " we find ourselves chuckling at this comical portrayal of primate mischief imitating human grooming rituals—a delightful reminder that our fascination with shaving extends beyond our species. Even Kaiser Wilhelm II makes an appearance through satire in an advertisement for Pears soap.