Rights Managed > Historic England
Image Licensing : Reed cutting, Norfolk a98_07734
Add to Lightbox
Image Downloads From Historic England
Reed cutting, Norfolk a98_07734
Horning Ferry, Norfolk. Cutting reeds with a scythe on Woodbastwick Marshes. Photographed by Hallam Ashley in February 1949. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 1755173
Filename: aa98_07734.jpg
Size: 4360 x 4336 (8.4MB)
Date: 5th February 1949
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: English Heritage Images
Job Title: Photographer
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > Hallam Ashley Collection (1931-1980)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1900s - 1910s
> Industry > Agricultural History
SECURE PAYMENTS
We accept all major payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
Made in USA
Safe Shipping, Easy Returns
FREE PERSONALISATION
We are proud to offer a range of customisation including Cropping, Captions, and Filters. Zoom Cropping can be adjusted in the basket
FREE COLORIZATION
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the quiet and rhythmic work of reed cutting on the Woodbastwick Marshes in Norfolk, as documented by renowned photographer Hallam Ashley in February 1949. The image presents a scene of rural life that has long since passed, as a lone figure wades through the marshland, armed with a traditional scythe, expertly slicing through the tall, golden reeds. The serene landscape is dotted with small, picturesque cottages in the distance, their thatched roofs barely visible above the reeds, while the sky above is a vast expanse of grey clouds, hinting at the unpredictable Norfolk weather. Reed cutting was a vital part of the rural economy in Norfolk, with the reeds harvested for thatching, weaving, and fuel. The process required great skill and physical endurance, as the workers had to navigate the treacherous marshland, often wading through deep water and mud. The use of a scythe, a simple yet effective tool, allowed the workers to efficiently cut the reeds, which were then bundled and transported back to the villages for use. This photograph is a poignant reminder of a time when the rhythms of rural life were closely tied to the natural world, and the simple pleasures of hard work and community were a source of pride and sustenance. Hallam Ashley's masterful composition and use of light and shadow bring the scene to life, transporting us back in time to a simpler, more connected way of life.
