The employment of women at pit mouths - breakfast time, 1886. Creator: Unknown

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The employment of women at pit mouths - breakfast time, 1886. Creator: Unknown

The employment of women at pit mouths - breakfast time, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

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Media ID 36257121

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Breakfast Coal Industry Coal Mine Coal Mining Coalmine Colliery Employment Morning Social Class Working Class

EDITORS COMMENTS
an intriguing and evocative image from the 1880s, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of working-class women in the coal mining industry during the Victorian era in Britain. The engraving, published in "The Graphic: An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper" in 1886, captures a moment of respite as women gather at the pit mouth, or coal mine entrance, to share a communal breakfast before another long day of labor. The scene is one of stark contrasts. Women, dressed in shawls and bonnets, huddle around a makeshift table, their faces etched with the lines of hardship and toil. The men, clad in heavy work clothes and caps, emerge from the dark, ominous mine entrance, their bodies weary from the physical demands of their work. The pit ponies, tethered nearby, seem to echo the women's weariness, their heads bowed as they chew on their meager rations. The image underscores the harsh realities of life in the coal mining industry during this period. Women and children, often working long hours in dangerous conditions, were an integral part of the coal mining workforce. Their labor was essential to the functioning of the colliery, as they performed tasks such as sorting and packing coal, cooking, cleaning, and caring for the miners and their families. Despite the challenging circumstances, the image also conveys a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among the women. Their shared experience of hardship and the simple act of breaking bread together offer a brief moment of connection and comfort in the face of the demanding and unforgiving coal mining industry. This poignant and evocative image serves as a reminder of the vital role women played in the coal mining industry during the Victorian era and the resilience and strength they demonstrated in the face of adversity. It is a testament to their indomitable spirit and their contributions to the social and economic fabric of the time.

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