Exhibit:

The London Labour and London Poor

Preview of images

Part of Group:

ENGH/WGST 304 Sexuality and Gender in 19th-Century Literature and Culture (Kolmar, Drew University)

This is a collection of images from the London Labour and London Poor, by Henry Mayhew. All of the images are of women and/or girls that are working on the streets throughout the day, including those that are selling fruits on the street to performers on stilts. Mayhew's creation was divdied into 4 volumes published in 1851, mainly broadcasting workers in the 1840's. 

Images in this Exhibit

The London Labour and London Poor 10

This is of a young girl that is sitting on the side of a building with bunches of flowers in her hand, hoping to sell to those that are walking by here; “‘Do, my dear, go and buy a couple of those wallflowers for my study.’ I don’t do much for working-men; the women’s my best customers.” said by a parson to his wife. 

 

 
The London Labour and London Poor 9

Women considered "milkmaids" will be found on the first day of the month exerting herself in a most springhtly manner under a pryamid of silver tankards. They are heavily decorated to attract those around them, luring them in to buy the milk. 
The London Labour and London Poor 8

Lucifer girls are those that create the matches used in everyone's home, or they are on the streets selling them to people; "There are many, especially girls and women, the majority being Irishwomen, who do not directly solicit charity, and do not even say, “Buy a box of lucifers from a poor creature, to get her a ha’porth of bread;” or, “please a bit of broken victuals, if it’s only cold potatoes, for a box of the best lucifers." 
The London Labour and London Poor 7

An older irish woman is sitting on the side of the street waiting to sell a basketful of some fruit while she is smoking a pipe; "Sweet Chany! Two a pinny Or-r-ranges– two a pinny!"
The London Labour and London Poor 6

This stout women with carneying tone and constant curtsey, love to compain about things in her class or the good old times. She spends her time sweeping outside on the streets, having neighborhood people giving her money here and there. 
The London Labour and London Poor 5

Girls that are considered costermongers generally walk around the streets with big baskets in their arms, selling whatever produce is in season at the time. The girls age can vary, mothers will make sure their daughters are selling local fruits and such to keep them out of "trouble". 
The London Labour and London Poor 4

This is a family of street performers, balancing on stilts in the image but also are able to walk on tight ropes. The husband and wife started performing, when they had children, starting them young brought them up in the street performing business. Now they are all together performing, all at different ages.
The London Labour and London Poor 3

An english woman that walks around carrying combs with her in a small box sells up and down the streets throughout the entire day.

The London Labour and London Poor 2

The Market is usually ran by Jewish members, selling a numbers of things ranging from oranges and lemons to different kind of nuts to costermongers. 
London Labour and London Poor 1

A well-known blind hurdy-gurdy that plays throughout the day along the streets, she is led by a "caretaker" named Liza that she has known her whole life.