A silk weaver of Spitalfields, 1840
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A silk weaver of Spitalfields, 1840
A silk weaver of Spitalfields, sporting a top hat and churchwarden pipe. Date: 1840
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Media ID 14171158
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840 1840s Churchwarden Pipe Silk Spitalfields Textiles Weaver
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1840, captures the essence of a silk weaver from Spitalfields, a historic district in London known for its textile industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. The man in the image wears the typical attire of the time, including a top hat and a churchwarden pipe, which were symbols of working-class status and leisure. The silk industry was a significant contributor to the economy of Spitalfields, with many artisans and craftsmen working in their homes or in communal workshops. Silk weaving was a labor-intensive process that required great skill and attention to detail. The weaver in this photograph appears focused and determined, with his hands poised over the loom, ready to weave the intricate patterns that would make the silk fabric valuable. The use of a top hat and a churchwarden pipe were common among working-class men during the 1840s. The top hat was a status symbol, indicating that the wearer was a respectable member of society. The churchwarden pipe, a long-stemmed pipe, was a popular accessory for men who enjoyed smoking tobacco. The combination of these items in the photograph adds to the authenticity of the image and provides insight into the social and cultural norms of the time. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a glimpse into the life of a silk weaver in Spitalfields during the 1840s. It is a reminder of the rich history of the textile industry in London and the importance of the working class in shaping the city's economic and cultural landscape.
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