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Bathing Machine, Bournemouth, Dorset
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Bathing Machine, Bournemouth, Dorset
Bathing Machine, Bournemouth, Dorset, England. Date: 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14201736
© The Wentworth Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Timeless Seaside Tradition: Bathing Machines in Bournemouth, Dorset, England (1910s)". This photograph, taken in the 1910s, transports us back in time to the quintessential English seaside resort of Bournemouth, Dorset. The image showcases the unique and intriguing practice of using bathing machines to enter the sea during the Victorian and early 20th century. Bathing machines were essential for maintaining modesty and decency during an era when public bathing was considered scandalous. These horse-drawn carriages, equipped with changing facilities and a plunge pool, allowed bathers to enter the sea discreetly, avoiding the prying eyes of onlookers. In this photograph, we see several bathing machines lined up along the sandy beach, with their doors open, revealing the interior and the wooden steps leading down to the sea. A woman, dressed in a long, voluminous bathing costume, can be seen descending the steps, assisted by a bathing machine attendant. The horse, harnessed to the machine, stands patiently nearby, waiting for its next passenger. The scene is further enhanced by the presence of other beachgoers, who are engaged in various activities, such as picnicking, sunbathing, and playing games. The clear blue waters and the gentle waves in the background add to the serene and idyllic atmosphere. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of seaside leisure and the unique customs that shaped the British coastal resorts during the Victorian and early 20th century. It serves as a reminder of a bygone era, when the simple pleasures of a day at the beach required a touch of elegance and discretion.
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