Boatman unhappy about influx of tourism to Cornwal
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Boatman unhappy about influx of tourism to Cornwal
A Real Grievance Visitor: " Hows Business?" Boatman: " Business! Why there ain t no businesssince these ere blessed bicycles come inter fashion. Why, they comes down ere, takes our fresh air as we re celebrated for, and pumps it inter their blooming wheels and takes it away with em!" Date: circa 1890s
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Media ID 11575211
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Annoyed Boatman Buses Cornish Cyclists Daft Daytrippers Development Excursion Excursions Fisherman Fresh Increase Influx Oilskins Overalls Phil Silly Stealing Tourist Tourists Unhappy Unwanted Visiting Visitors Daytrip Grievance
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Real Grievance: "How's Business?" Boatman: "Business! Why, there ain't no business since these ere blessed bicycles come into fashion. Why, they come down here, take our fresh air as we're celebrated for, and pump it into their blooming wheels and take it away with them!", circa 1890s. This evocative photograph captures the frustration of a traditional Cornish boatman as he faces the unwelcome intrusion of tourism into his quiet corner of the world. Dressed in his oilskins and overalls, the boatman looks up from his work with a scowl, his hands on his hips as he confronts a group of visitors, likely daytrippers or cycling excursionists, who have come to enjoy the seaside beauty of Cornwall. The influx of tourists, symbolized by the bicycles, was a common complaint among local residents during the late 1800s. The fresh air that the boatman and other locals cherished was being "stolen" by the visitors, who pumped it into their bicycle wheels and took it away with them. The boatman's grievance may seem silly or daft to modern eyes, but it speaks to the deep-rooted connection between the people of Cornwall and their land, and the sense of ownership and protectiveness that came with that connection. The photograph is a reminder of the complex relationship between locals and tourists, and the tensions that can arise when traditional ways of life are disrupted by development and progress. It also offers a glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of Cornwall, a place that continues to attract visitors from around the world to this day. Despite the boatman's annoyance, it's impossible not to find a certain charm in this scene, with its quirky dialogue and timeless setting. The photograph is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring allure of the Cornish coast.
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