Cutting Turf, and Preparing it for the Rick, 1850. Creator: Smyth

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Cutting Turf, and Preparing it for the Rick, 1850. Creator: Smyth

Cutting Turf, and Preparing it for the Rick, 1850. Making peat charcoal at Derrymullen, Kildare, Ireland:. two skenes are used to chop or make a long incision in the bank or bench from which the turf is taken with one forward thrust or cut; and the other having the side of it so turned up as to enable the man cutting with it to take out a perfectly square turf, measuring six by four inches: he then throws it to another man, who stands on a platform raised over the bank; and he flings it to a third, who...passes it to women and girls, who pile the pieces up, and place them on what are technically called "short clamps"...These "clamps" consist of hurdles at equal distances from each other, so as to admit of the air passing through them, and thus causing the turf to dry in a much less time than if placed, as heretofore, on the ground'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850

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Media ID 36202526

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Charcoal Cutting Drying Employment Fuel Ireland Irish Peat Peat Cutting Rogers Smyth Society Working Man Workman Workmen

EDITORS COMMENTS
an 1850 engraving by Smyth, captures a significant moment in the peat-cutting process in Derrymullen, County Kildare, Ireland. The image illustrates the cooperative labor of men and women in the production of peat, a vital fuel source during the Victorian era. Two men are depicted in the foreground, each wielding a unique tool for cutting turf. One man makes a long incision in the bank or bench with a forward thrust, while the other turns up the side of his tool to extract a perfectly square turf, measuring six by four inches. The man then throws the turf to a third man, who stands on a platform raised above the bank. This man passes the turf to women and girls, who pile the pieces up and place them on short clamps. The clamps, consisting of hurdles at equal distances, allow air to pass through, significantly reducing the drying time compared to traditional methods of placing the turf on the ground. The scene showcases the communal nature of this labor-intensive process, with each person playing a crucial role in the production of peat fuel. This engraving, published in the Illustrated London News, offers a glimpse into the rural life of Ireland during the 19th century. The peat-cutting industry was a vital source of employment, particularly in regions like Kildare, where the boglands were abundant. The image underscores the importance of this occupation in providing fuel for both domestic and industrial use, as well as the role of the Irish Amelioration Society and the press in documenting and promoting the progress of rural industries.

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