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Female Tracer in the Drawing Office at Swindon Works, 1959
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Female Tracer in the Drawing Office at Swindon Works, 1959
This image from 1959 shows a female tracer working in the Drawing Office at Swindon Works. A tracer was a skilled job. It involved tracing, with care and precision, over the top of an original drawing to make a final copy. The Drawing Office was still a male dominated environment in the 1950s. However, many women were employed as tracers and often promoted to draughtswomen
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 32208995
1950s Female Swindon Works Drawing Office Tracer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1959 transports us back to the bustling Drawing Office at Swindon Works. In this snapshot of history, we witness a remarkable sight - a female tracer diligently working amidst an environment predominantly occupied by men. The role of a tracer demanded exceptional skill and precision; it involved delicately tracing over original drawings to create flawless copies. During the 1950s, the Drawing Office remained largely male-dominated, but this image sheds light on the significant contribution made by women in this field. Many women were employed as tracers due to their meticulous attention to detail and ability to produce impeccable final copies. The presence of this female tracer not only challenges traditional gender roles but also highlights opportunities for advancement within the industry. It was not uncommon for talented tracers like her to be promoted to draughtswomen positions, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in engineering. As we admire this photograph, let us appreciate the determination and talent exhibited by these trailblazing women who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on Swindon Works' rich history. Their contributions deserve recognition as they played an integral part in shaping our industrial heritage.
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