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Women working at the Victoria Press 1861
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Women working at the Victoria Press 1861
Women and girls working as compositors under the supervision of a man at the Victoria Press printing office in Great Coram Street, London. Compositors were some of the most highly paid workers in the printing trade and women frequently filled these roles.
1861
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Media ID 23268758
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1861 Compositor Coram Females Jul19 Occupation Office Press Printing Worker 1860s Compositors
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1861, offers a glimpse into the bustling Victoria Press printing office in Great Coram Street, London. The image showcases an intriguing scene of women and girls diligently working as compositors, a role that was typically considered one of the most skilled and well-paid positions within the printing trade. Compositors played a pivotal role in the production process, setting the type for each page of a publication. Their expertise was essential in ensuring the accuracy and legibility of the printed text. In this era, the 1860s, and throughout the 19th century, women frequently filled these roles due to their nimble fingers and meticulous attention to detail. The photograph reveals a diverse group of women and girls, each focused intently on their tasks. Some are carefully arranging type, while others are checking proofs or making corrections. A man, presumably their supervisor, stands nearby, overseeing their progress. The interior of the printing office is filled with the clatter of type and the hum of industry, yet the women appear undisturbed and focused. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century communications and the important role women played in the printing industry. It also highlights the collaborative nature of the workplace and the essential contributions of women to the production of knowledge and information during this period.
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