Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Boroughs > Croydon
Laundry at Shirley Schools, near Croydon, Surrey
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Laundry at Shirley Schools, near Croydon, Surrey
Inmates ironing clothes and linen in the laundry at the Shirley Schools, near Croydon, Surrey, established in 1904 by the St Olave Union to house pauper children away from the workhouse. The Schools were laid out as a cottage homes development in the style of a village street, with groups of children living in cottages with a house parent. Shirley Oaks Hospital now occupies part of the site
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4471223
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10424984
Cottage Cottages Croydon Groups Homes Inmates Ironing L Aw Laundry Linen Living Oaks Olave Parent Pauper Poor Poverty Schools Shirley Skills Surrey Workhouse Workhouses
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Croydon
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Surrey
> Croydon
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the daily routine of the Shirley Schools, a charitable institution established in Surrey, near Croydon, in 1904 by the St Olave Union to provide a home for pauper children, keeping them away from the harsh conditions of the workhouse. The Schools were designed as a cottage homes development, with groups of children living in cottages under the care of house parents. In this image, we see children engaged in the essential task of ironing clothes and linen in the laundry area. The Edwardian-era setting is evident in the children's simple, neatly-pressed uniforms and the ironing boards, which contrast sharply with the stark reality of poverty that brought these children to the Schools. The Shirley Schools aimed to provide not only shelter and food but also education and training in various skills, such as laundry work, to prepare the children for a better future. The emphasis on self-sufficiency and community living was a significant departure from the dehumanizing conditions of the workhouse system. The Shirley Schools, which now partially house the Shirley Oaks Hospital, have an intriguing history that offers a glimpse into the lives of children who grew up in poverty during the early 20th century. This photograph, taken in 1908, captures a moment of quiet industry and cooperation, as the children work together to ensure their clothes and linens are clean and pressed, contributing to the smooth running of their cottage home community.
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.
