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Lady Bather at Ostende, Belgium
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Lady Bather at Ostende, Belgium
Lady Bather at Ostende, Belgium sat on the wheel of a bathing machine. Her costume is possibly rather daring for this era. Date: circa 1910
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Media ID 11581839
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Attire Bather Bathing Belgian Headscarf Indecent Ostend Ostende Sits Suits Swimming Swimwear Wheel
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the essence of a bygone era, as a daringly dressed woman named Lady Bather takes a seat on the wheel of a bathing machine at Ostende, Belgium, around 1910. The coastal resort town of Ostende, located in the northwest of the country, was a popular destination for affluent Europeans seeking to escape the rigors of city life and indulge in the pleasures of the sea. The lady's costume, with its revealing neckline and short sleeves, is a far cry from the more modest attire of the time. Her headscarf, casually tied around her neck, adds a touch of elegance and nonchalance to her appearance. The bathing machine, a wheeled cart used to transport bathers from the shore to the water, was an essential accessory for those who wished to maintain their privacy while changing out of their street clothes and into their swimming suits. The use of bathing machines was a common practice during this period, as bathing in public was considered indecent and even scandalous. The wheeled contraption allowed women to enter the water without exposing themselves to prying eyes, making it an essential piece of equipment for those who wished to enjoy the seaside without drawing unwanted attention. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of bathing culture in Europe during the early 20th century. The lady's confident and carefree demeanor speaks to the liberating effect of the sea and the allure of the coastal resort town, which continue to draw visitors from around the world to this day.
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