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On board a lighter, London, c1900 (1903)
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On board a lighter, London, c1900 (1903)
On board a lighter, London, c1900 (1903). A lighterman is a worker who operates a lighter, a type of flat-bottomed barge. The highly skilled men who operated the unpowered lighters moved by oar and water currents in the Port of London. The Company of Watermen and Lightermen was formed in 1700 by Act of Parliament. Watermans Hall, 16 St Mary At Hill, Billingsgate, dates to 1780 and is the only surviving Georgian guildhall. From Living London, Vol. III, by George R. Sims. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1903]
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Media ID 14971831
© The Print Collector
Barge Lighter Port Shipping Industry Social Class Working Class Lighterman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the bustling streets of London in the early 1900s. On board a lighter, we witness the skilled lightermen at work, navigating their flat-bottomed barges through the intricate waterways of the Port of London. These highly trained individuals relied on oars and water currents to maneuver these unpowered vessels with precision. The Company of Watermen and Lightermen, established by an Act of Parliament in 1700, played a vital role in regulating this essential trade. The historic Watermans Hall, dating back to 1780 and located at 16 St Mary At Hill in Billingsgate, stands as a testament to their enduring legacy. In this snapshot from Living London by George R. Sims (published in 1903), we catch a glimpse into the daily lives of these hardworking men and women who dedicated themselves to keeping London's transportation industry thriving. Amongst them are both male and female workers, showcasing that even during this era gender barriers were being challenged. With its monochrome aesthetic capturing every detail with clarity, this image transports us back to an era when Britain's shipping industry was booming. It serves as a reminder of the rich history embedded within England's geography while shedding light on social classes prevalent during Victorian times. As we admire this remarkable piece from The Print Collector collection, let us appreciate not only the artistry behind it but also pay homage to those whose labor contributed significantly to shaping our modern world.
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