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Downstairs servants of a country house
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Downstairs servants of a country house
Group photo, downstairs servants of a country house.
circa 1900
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23272044
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Apron Caps Downstairs Servant Servants Staff Waistcoat
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative group photograph captures the downstairs servants of a country house, gathered together for a rare moment of leisure in the late Victorian-Edwardian era, around the turn of the 20th century. The image, from Mary Evans Picture Library, transports us back in time to an era of grand estates and opulent living. The servants, dressed in their uniforms, are a mix of men and women, each wearing the distinctive attire of their roles. The women, clad in long aprons and caps, display a range of expressions, from serious to playful, as they sit on the grass or stand casually beside each other. The men, wearing waistcoats and caps, exude a sense of pride and camaraderie, their postures reflecting their roles as butlers, footmen, and gardeners. The outdoor setting, with the lush greenery and sun-dappled light filtering through the trees, adds to the idyllic scene. The servants, who were an integral part of the daily running of the country house, are often overlooked in historical narratives, yet they played a crucial role in maintaining the grandeur and smooth functioning of the household. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into their lives, providing a window into the past and a reminder of the intricate social hierarchy that existed in the country houses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image is a poignant reminder of the human stories that lie behind the grand facades of these historic buildings, and serves as a testament to the essential role that servants played in shaping the lives of their employers and the history of the country house system.
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