Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images July 2023
Irish Peat Carriers early 1900s
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Irish Peat Carriers early 1900s
Irish Peat Carriers early 1900s Date: circa 1900s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 32370640
© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans
Carriers Crofting Cutting Peat
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, hailing from the early 1900s, transports us back in time to the heart of rural Ireland, where the daily struggle for survival was a shared experience among its inhabitants. The image, taken from The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection at Mary Evans Prints Online, showcases a group of Irish peat carriers, both men and women, engaged in the arduous task of cutting and loading peat turfs onto a cart. Peat, a fossil fuel derived from decomposed plant matter, was a primary energy source for heating homes and cooking meals in Ireland during this era. The process of extracting and transporting this valuable resource was a labor-intensive endeavor, often requiring entire families to work together to ensure their basic needs were met. The women in this photograph, dressed in traditional Victorian and Edwardian attire, demonstrate the resilience and determination that was essential for surviving in these conditions. The lantern held aloft by one of the women highlights the importance of light in the often dimly lit peat cutting environment. The scene is reminiscent of the crofting and farming communities that dotted the Irish countryside during this period. These communities were characterized by their self-sufficiency and strong sense of community, as neighbors relied on one another to help with the harvest, animal husbandry, and other essential tasks. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships and challenges faced by the Irish people during the early 1900s, while also showcasing their unwavering spirit and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
