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Unhairing a goatskin at a leather factory, south London 1842
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Unhairing a goatskin at a leather factory, south London 1842
Workman unhairing a goatskin (removing the hairs with the edge of a knife) at the Neckinger Mills leather factory, Bermondsey, south London. Date: 1842
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Media ID 20147341
© Bubblepunk
1840s 1842 Bank Bermondsey Bevington Conditions Edge Goat Goatskin Hairs Knife Leather Manual Manufacture Manufacturing Mills Process Processing Removing Skin Skins Workman Goatskins Neckinger
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the raw and intensive nature of the early Victorian leather manufacturing process, as a skilled workman meticulously unhairs a goatskin at the Neckinger Mills leather factory in Bermondsey, South London, in 1842. The man, dressed in simple work clothes, focuses intently on his task, using the edge of a knife to carefully remove each hair from the supple goatskin. The factory, located on the banks of the River Neckinger, was a hive of activity during this period, with the sound of clanging machinery and the rhythmic thud of hides being worked on echoing through the vast, dimly lit space. The process of unhairing was a laborious and time-consuming task, requiring great precision and dexterity. The hairs were carefully removed to ensure the leather remained as smooth and even as possible, making it suitable for various uses such as gloves, shoes, and belts. The conditions in which the workers labored were often harsh, with long hours, low wages, and poor ventilation leading to cramped and unhealthy working environments. Despite these challenges, the leather industry in South London thrived during the 1840s, with Neckinger Mills being one of the leading manufacturers in the region. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the human effort and dedication required to transform raw materials into valuable products, and the harsh realities of the industrial revolution.
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