Laundry Collection (#60)

Jap Laundresses
Japanese women do their laundry on the river-bank, much like their sisters in France and Italy

Washing Day in York
Washday in the back court of a working-class home, York

Washing Day at the River
French housewives take their laundry to the river, where stone slabs are placed for their use

Washing by Hand / Scrap
Washing by hand

Three Women on Wash Day
Three women hard at work on washing day

Child Helps Mama Iron
The ironing lesson - a little girl helps her mama with the ironing

French Laundrymaids / 1894
French laundrymaids washing and ironing

Mangles / Ironmonger Diary
Mangles/Ironmonger Diary

Scene from Shakespeares Merry Wives of Windsor
A scene from Shakespeares comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, in which Falstaff is concealed in a laundry basket by the merry wives, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"From Dolly Tubs to Modern Machines: A Journey Through Laundry" Step into the past with an advertising card for Thoms Castile Soap of Manchester, a reminder of simpler times when laundry was done by hand in large wooden tubs known as Dolly Tubs. Imagine the narrow winding streets of Barrio Gotico, Barcelona, where clotheslines stretched across balconies adorned with colorful garments fluttering in the breeze. Transport yourself further back in time to Bodiam Castle in Sussex, where medieval inhabitants would have washed their linens using traditional methods. The delicate pencil and watercolor artwork on paper captures the essence of this historical practice. In a stark contrast, WW2 memorabilia showcases a damaged café informing suppliers about disrupted laundry services due to war efforts. It serves as a poignant reminder of how everyday tasks were affected during times of conflict. Fast forward to modernity at Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, Middlesex, where state-of-the-art washing machines effortlessly clean and sanitize hospital linens. Efficiency meets innovation as technology takes over from manual labor. Traveling overseas to Ragusa, Sicily reveals picturesque scenes of locals hanging their laundry out to dry under the Mediterranean sun. The vibrant colors against ancient stone walls create an enchanting sight that captivates both residents and tourists alike. The invention of the wringer wet clothes dryer revolutionized household chores by simplifying drying processes. No longer did families need vast outdoor spaces or rely solely on natural elements; instead, they could conveniently dry their clothes indoors regardless of weather conditions. Artistic expressions also capture moments related to laundry - "What. . No Laundry" by David Wright humorously depicts a woman's surprise upon discovering her partner has forgotten his share of household duties. Meanwhile, "Children on the Beach" painted by St Ives artist in 1886 portrays carefree youngsters playing amidst piles of sand-covered towels and bathing suits awaiting cleaning after a day at sea.