I was storing some photographs in the attic the other day and knocked a huge pile of old pictures all across the floor. As I was picking them up, I saw this one, and it brought back many old memories. I took this photograph at the train station just as I returned home from my visit up north where I served as an apprentice under Mr. Russel. I was glad to have this opportunity to learn from an experienced photographer, and when I got back home I was so excited to practice everything I was taught that I took a photograph at the train station! The conductor even agreed to pose for me! Looking back, I’m glad I chose to capture this moment. I owe a lot to this train and wouldn’t be where I am today without it (both geographically and financially). I remember the moment Gerty told me I was going away to see Mr. Russel for three whole months to learn more about the photography business, I was completely terrified. It was going to be unlike anything I’d done before, but soon excitement set in as I realized I would get to learn so many new things about the photography industry and business that I could share with my sisters as we began our new journey in the shop. When I look at this picture, I’m also reminded of a time in my life when I boarded another train that looked just like this one. Except, instead of being filled with the joy of starting a new chapter, I was faced with the deepest sorrow I’d ever felt as I watched my future fall apart. It wasn’t long after hearing news of the destruction of the troops in Africa that me and Frank had planned on paying a visit to his family in Cornwall. Taking this journey alone was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but looking at this photograph reminds me how strong I was at that moment in my life and how grateful I am having my husband alive and well with me today.
Editorial Commentary: Solo travelling for Victorian women wasn’t common, and even in this photo it’s clear to see all the travelers pictured are men. Lucy is seen challenging the status quo set for women during this time, and her actions regarding travel are no different. She sets off on a train alone to apprentice under a family friend, Mr. Russel, so that she can learn more about the world of photography and how to run a business. Not only is she setting off on this journey without the company of a man, but the purpose for her travels is rare for women during this period as well. While apprenticeships were one of the only options women had regarding their education, the fact that she was learning how to start her own business as a Victorian woman was extremely controversial. Despite this stigma, Lucy is eager to begin learning all she can in order to create a successful business to support her family. Lucy’s emotional strength is also illustrated through this image as she reflects on the time she thought she lost her husband. British colonialism was a widespread phenomenon during the Victorian era, specifically in Africa which Lucy mentions is where her fiancé, Frank, was stationed (The British Empire). The effects colonialization had on women can be seen through individuals like Lucy. Since women had to remain behind while their husbands went overseas, it instilled in Lucy feelings of helplessness while all she could do was sit and wait to hear if her husband had been killed. However, even after Lucy heard news that Frank was dead, she still bravely traveled alone to Cornwall to be with his family.
Citation:
“The British Empire.” VictorianSchool.org, 2015, http://www.victorianschool.co.uk/empire.html. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“South Dock Station: a four wheel coupled tank locomotive at the station.” The London Picture Archive, Catalogue no. SC_PHL_02_0630_1668, 1880, https://collage.cityoflondon.gov.uk/view-item?i=234933. Accessed 9 November 2020.