Surplices Collection

From Shoreditch Cottages to the Sistine Chapel, they have long been a symbol of sacred harmony

Surplices Collection: Shoreditch Cottage Homes, Hornchurch, Essex

Shoreditch Cottage Homes, Hornchurch, Essex
Boys in surplices leaving the chapel at the Shoreditch Union cottage homes, Hornchurch, Essex. Opened in 1889 to house pauper children away from the workhouse

Surplices Collection: Church Choir, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

Church Choir, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
Boys and men choristers in their surplices, pictured with the vicar and organist at All Saints Church, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. circa 1920

Surplices Collection: Sistine Chapel Choir (b / w photo)

Sistine Chapel Choir (b / w photo)
1095125 Sistine Chapel Choir (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sistine Chapel Choir. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Surplices Collection: Hereford Industrial School Choirboys

Hereford Industrial School Choirboys
Boys from Hereford Industrial School Boys in surplices as they form part of the choir at the towns St Peters Church. Date: early 1900s

Church palm procession through Orpington. 1935

Surplices Collection: Choir boys in procession during the Palm Sunday celebrations at Orpington, Kent

Choir boys in procession during the Palm Sunday celebrations at Orpington, Kent. 10 April 1938

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From Shoreditch Cottages to the Sistine Chapel, they have long been a symbol of sacred harmony. In Essex, choirboys from Hornchurch and Walton-on-the-Naze donned these traditional garments, joining in song for church services. Beating the bounds of St Clement Danes in London, they continued the ancient tradition of marking parish borders. At Hereford Industrial School, choirboys in surplices found solace and unity through music. Palm Sunday celebrations in Orpington, Kent, brought forth a sea as boys in procession carried palm branches, their voices echoing through the air, a testament to the enduring power of faith and music.