Working Classes Collection

John Peck & Co: Coats and Aprons for Butchers
3786257 John Peck & Co: Coats and Aprons for Butchers; (add.info.: John Peck & Co: Coats and Aprons for Butchers, Groces & Co. Early 20th century advert)

John Peck & Co: Coats and Aprons for Butchers
3786256 John Peck & Co: Coats and Aprons for Butchers; (add.info.: John Peck & Co: Coats and Aprons for Butchers, Groces & Co. Early 20th century advert)

Bethnal Green from The Sketch 1906 series Sunday Clothes by District
5669015 Bethnal Green from The Sketch 1906 series Sunday Clothes by District by Reynolds, Frank (1876-1953); Photo © AF Fotografie

Cottages for the Working Classes (engraving)
5213173 Cottages for the Working Classes (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cottages for the Working Classes)

A Meeting of the Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working Classes (engraving)
1045944 A Meeting of the Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working Classes (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Model Lodging-Houses, St James s, Westminster; proposed by the General Society for Improving the Dwellings of
1618530 Model Lodging-Houses, St James s, Westminster; proposed by the General Society for Improving the Dwellings of the Working Classes (engraving) by English School

Site of the Model Lodging-House, erecting by the General Society for Improving the Dwellings of the Working Classes
1601711 Site of the Model Lodging-House, erecting by the General Society for Improving the Dwellings of the Working Classes (engraving) by English School

Houses for the Working Classes, at Florence (engraving)
5204464 Houses for the Working Classes, at Florence (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Houses for the Working Classes, at Florence, Signor Enrico Guidotti)

Culture for the Working Classes (engraving)
2776996 Culture for the Working Classes (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Culture for the Working Classes)

The Royal Visit to Ireland, the Prince of Wales as Commissioner of the Royal Commission on the Dwellings of the Working
1044947 The Royal Visit to Ireland, the Prince of Wales as Commissioner of the Royal Commission on the Dwellings of the Working Classes (engraving) by Hall

Deputation of the London Trades Council to the Prince of Wales at Sandringham (engraving)
1055174 Deputation of the London Trades Council to the Prince of Wales at Sandringham (engraving) by Hall, Sydney Prior (1842-1922) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Dwellings for the Working-Classes, Peabody-Square, Shadwell (engraving)
1610941 Dwellings for the Working-Classes, Peabody-Square, Shadwell (engraving) by Watkins, Frank (fl.1859-94); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dwellings for the Working-Classes, Peabody-Square)

Impoverished boy, holding hat (engraving)
976429 Impoverished boy, holding hat (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Impoverished boy, holding hat.); © Look and Learn

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"Working Classes: A Glimpse into the Lives of Laborers" In the bustling streets of John Peck & Co, butchers clad in their sturdy coats and aprons diligently serve their customers. These hardworking individuals embody the spirit of the working classes, toiling day in and day out to provide for their families. Meanwhile, amidst a rapidly growing cityscape, cottages designed specifically for the working classes stand as a symbol of hope. Engravings capture these modest dwellings, showcasing efforts made by society to improve living conditions for those who labor tirelessly. The Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working Classes convenes with great importance. This meeting signifies a commitment towards addressing housing issues faced by workers across the nation. Model lodging-houses proposed by organizations like General Society for Improving Dwellings offer glimpses into future possibilities - safe havens where workers can find respite after long hours spent earning their livelihoods. Beyond physical shelter, engravings depict efforts to uplift and educate working-class communities. Initiatives such as "Culture for the Working Classes" emphasize access to knowledge and enlightenment as essential rights rather than privileges. Even royalty takes notice of this significant segment of society. The Prince of Wales assumes his role as Commissioner on Dwellings of the Working Classes during his royal visit to Ireland. Deputations from London Trades Council further highlight how influential figures recognize that every worker's voice deserves attention and respect. Peabody-Square in Shadwell stands tall as an embodiment of progress - dwellings built specifically with compassion towards impoverished families struggling against adversity. These structures represent not just bricks and mortar but also compassion woven into each fiber - a testament to society's dedication towards uplifting its most vulnerable members. Amongst all these images lies one that tugs at our heartstrings – an engraving portraying an impoverished boy holding onto his hat tightly against harsh winds blowing through life's challenges he faces daily.