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Straw-Plaiting
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Straw-Plaiting
Three women plait straw, near St Albans, Hertfordshire. Straw-plaiting, to make hats and other items, was an important home industry in the middle of the nineteenth century in the Hertfordshire area, which was within easy reach of the London markets
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Media ID 4483927
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10487383
Hertfordshire Plait Plaiting Straw
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Traditional Craft: Straw Plaiting in Hertfordshire, 1800s" In this evocative photograph, three women intently focus on their craft, their hands weaving together long strands of straw to create intricate plaits near the picturesque town of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The scene transports us back in time to the heart of the 19th century, an era when straw plaiting was a significant home industry in this region. Straw plaiting was a labor-intensive process that required skill, patience, and dexterity. The women in the photograph demonstrate the intricacy of the craft, their nimble fingers weaving the straw into intricate patterns. The raw materials, freshly harvested straw, lay scattered around them, ready to be transformed into beautiful plaits. The importance of straw plaiting in Hertfordshire during the 1800s cannot be overstated. The region's proximity to London markets made it an ideal location for this cottage industry. Straw plaiting provided a valuable source of income for many families, enabling them to supplement their earnings from agriculture. The plaited straw was used to create a variety of items, including hats, baskets, and even furniture covers. The women in the photograph work together, their faces reflecting a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Their clothing, simple yet practical, speaks of the era's modest fashion sensibilities. The scene is one of quiet industry, a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the people of Hertfordshire during the 19th century. This photograph is a precious reminder of a bygone era, a time when the simple act of straw plaiting brought communities together and provided a livelihood for many families. It is a snapshot of history, a glimpse into the past that continues to inspire and captivate us today.
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