Prisoners Working on the Treadmill, c1934

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

Prisoners Working on the Treadmill, c1934

Prisoners Working on the Treadmill, c1934. Illustration showing the 19th century method of forcing idle prisoners to take exercise. The accompanying text explains the mechanism, and says that it was all useless labour and served no purpose...Attempts were made to utilise this labour for profitable purposes, but nothing came of the idea. Initially the treadmill fact was intended to be pointless and punish; resistance to the motion was provided by straps and weights. However it later became acceptable to use the energy to power pumps and corn mills, and many prisons in England adopted this form of hard labour to grind grain. Treadmills were abolished in 1902. From The Romance of the Nation, Volume Two, edited by Charles Ray. [The Amalgamated Press, Ltd. London, c1934]

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 15342826

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

Charles Ray Cruel Cruelty Diagram Exercise Forced Labour Industrial Revolution Invention Penitentiary Power Prison Prisoner Punishment Treadmill Manpower Pointless

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Architecture > Industrial

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Related Images

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, titled "Prisoners Working on the Treadmill, c1934" provides a glimpse into the 19th-century method of enforcing exercise upon idle prisoners. The accompanying text sheds light on this futile labor, highlighting its lack of purpose. Initially designed as a means to punish inmates, resistance was created through straps and weights attached to the treadmill. However, despite its initial pointlessness, later adaptations allowed for harnessing the energy produced by these prisoners to power pumps and corn mills. The image captures an era when prisons in England adopted this form of hard labor to grind grain. It serves as a reminder of both the cruelty imposed upon those incarcerated during that time and the ingenuity behind utilizing their physical exertion for productive purposes. This illustration comes from "The Romance of the Nation". Volume Two edited by Charles Ray. With its monochrome aesthetic evoking nostalgia for a bygone era, this photograph transports viewers back in time to witness an event that played a significant role in British history—the industrial revolution's impact on prison systems. While treadmills were eventually abolished in 1902 due to evolving societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation, this image stands as a testament to an innovative yet ultimately flawed attempt at penal reform.

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.