Shoeblacks Saffron Hill paying-in wages
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Shoeblacks Saffron Hill paying-in wages
Boys at the Saffron Hill Shoeblack Brigade paying-in their days takings. Date: circa 1902
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14230470
© Mary Evans / Peter Higginbotham Collection
Orphan Orphanage Orphans Paying Saffron Shoeblack Welfare 1902 Childrens
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in the history of child welfare in London's East End, circa 1902. The image shows a group of young shoeblacks, likely orphans or children in care, gathered around a table at the Saffron Hill Shoeblack Brigade, paying in their daily earnings. The boys, dressed in their distinctive uniforms, each hold small envelopes or pouches, ready to contribute their hard-earned money to a communal pot. The Saffron Hill Shoeblack Brigade was an innovative social initiative aimed at providing care and education for homeless and destitute children in the area. The boys were trained as shoeblacks, a common occupation in the East End at the time, and were given the opportunity to earn a living while receiving essential support and guidance. The Brigade also provided them with a sense of community and camaraderie, helping to shield them from the harsh realities of life on the streets. The act of paying in their earnings was an important ritual, symbolizing the collective nature of their living arrangement and the importance of financial responsibility. The funds were used to cover the costs of their food, shelter, and education, ensuring that they received a stable and nurturing environment. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by children in London's East End over a century ago, and the innovative solutions that arose from the community to address their needs.
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