Oral Respirators for Ladies and Gentlemen

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Oral Respirators for Ladies and Gentlemen

Oral Respirators for Ladies and Gentlemen.
1858

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23271954

© Mary Evans Picture Library

1850s 1858 Covered Covering Gentlemen Mouth Oral Respirator Respirators

EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing photograph, titled "Oral Respirators for Ladies and Gentlemen," dates back to the 1850s, as evidenced by the Victorian-era attire of the subjects. The image captures the profiles of two individuals, one woman and one man, each wearing an unusual accessory covering their mouths. These oral respirators, as they can be identified today, were designed to protect against various airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, or foul odors, which were common in the urban environments of the time. The woman, dressed in a high-necked blouse and a voluminous skirt, wears a white, lace-trimmed fabric covering that extends from her chin to her chest. Her expression is serious, and her eyes are focused on an unseen point in the distance. The man, wearing a formal suit and a top hat, sports a similar covering, but his is made of a darker fabric and is more closely fitted to his face. His expression is more relaxed, and he seems to be smiling slightly. The oral respirators were a practical solution to the health concerns of the time, and their use was not limited to the upper classes, as depicted in this photograph. However, their association with the Victorian era and its emphasis on propriety and hygiene has left a lasting impression on our collective memory. Today, these historical artifacts serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the past, as well as a testament to the enduring human desire to protect ourselves from the elements and improve our quality of life.

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