Gertrude’s Commentary:
As I sit and stare at this pound, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling within me. It's not just a coin; it's a symbol of hard work, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of my dreams. This single pound represents the humble beginnings of the photography studio, the very first earnings from capturing moments frozen in time. Every click of the camera shutter, every portrait I developed, was an attempt to turn my passion into profit. I've always had a desire to support my family whether it meant pursuing my dreams of writing or not. The studio was my ticket to financial independence, a chance to prove my worth in a world that often underestimated women. But there's another layer to this story, a sense of duty that weighs heavily on my heart. As much as I yearn for financial success, I also bear the responsibility of caring for my younger sisters. Every pound I earn here is not just for my dreams but for their future as well. I remember the promise I made to my father on his deathbed, the solemn vow to protect and provide for my sisters, to ensure they have the opportunities denied to them in our challenging circumstances. The money I make from this studio is a lifeline, a way to keep that promise and pave the path toward a better life for us all. So, as I look at this pound, it's not just a symbol of my ambition. It's a reminder of the balancing act I must perform: pursuing my dreams while shouldering the responsibilities of my family. This journey won't be easy, but I'm determined to make every pound count, for the sake of my sisters and the aspirations we hold dear.
Editorial Commentary:
As a researcher delving into the life and aspirations of Gertrude, the narrative surrounding this pound takes on a profound significance. It's a testament to her resilience, her dreams, and the complexities of her role in her family. Gertrude's story is emblematic of the era, where women struggled for recognition and independence. Her pursuit of financial success through photography underscores her determination to challenge societal norms. The pound, earned through her creative attempts, becomes a tangible representation of her journey toward self-sufficiency. However, what truly stands out is the dual narrative of ambition and duty that this pound embodies. Gertrude's desire to make money is not a shallow pursuit of wealth but a means to empower herself and secure a better future. “No longer does the Church of Rome monopolize the truth, that on a woman who has no husband, parent, or child, every sick and suffering man, every aged childless woman, every desolate orphan, has a claim. She has not fewer duties than other women, only more diffused ones” (Cobbe). Because women were not expected to be independent in the Victorian Era, her studio was more than a business; it was a symbol of her influence and an indication of her pioneering spirit. Yet, alongside her ambition lies a sense of responsibility that weighs on her. The promise she made to her parents binds her to her sisters' well-being. “The gap in earnings between women and men, although smaller than it was years ago, is still significant; women continue to be underrepresented in certain industries and occupations; and too many women struggle to combine aspirations for work and family” (Yellen). This dynamic illustrates the subtle challenges many women faced in balancing personal aspirations with familial obligations during that era. Gertrude's story is a small example of the broader struggles and triumphs of women in the early 20th century. It's a reminder of the various roles they played, often shouldering not just their dreams but also the hopes of their families. As a researcher, I'm compelled to explore untold stories like Gertrude's, recognizing that within the folds of a simple pound, there's a narrative of resilience, ambition, and familial devotion waiting to be told. It's a testament to the strength of character that defines many unacknowledged heroes of history.
Cobbe, Frances Power. "Celibacy vs. Marriage." 1862. COVE, 2023.
“How Much Was a Gold Sovereign Worth in Victorian Times?” Quora, www.quora.com/How-much-was-a-gold-sovereign-worth-in-Victorian-times. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.
Yellen, Janet L. “The history of women's work and wages and how it has created success for us all | Brookings.” Brookings Institution, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-history-of-womens-work-and-wages…. Accessed 12 October 2023.