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A Local Woman of the Orkney Islands outside her house
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A Local Woman of the Orkney Islands outside her house
A Local Woman of the Orkney Islands outside her house. Orkney was the site of a Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow, where the sailor who sent this card was stationed (on HMS Royal Arthur) in June 1916, when he sent this card. Date: circa 1922
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Media ID 18072064
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Boots Cold Collapse Collapsed Cottage Croft Crofter Damaged Disrepair Headscarf Islander Orkney Roof Ruined Thick
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, an elderly local woman of the Orkney Islands stands outside her humble abode, braving the harsh elements of the Scottish isles. The year is circa 1922, and the scene exudes a sense of tranquility and resilience. Orkney, an archipelago located in the northern North Sea, was once home to a Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow, where the sailor who sent this postcard was stationed in June 1916. The woman, dressed in a thick headscarf, warm boots, and a heavy coat, gazes off into the distance, her expression a mix of melancholy and determination. Her croft, a small farm, lies in a state of disrepair, with a collapsed stone wall and a damaged, ruined roof. The once dry and sturdy cottage now appears cold and uninviting, its walls bearing the brunt of the unforgiving weather. Despite the obvious challenges, the woman's spirit remains unbroken. She stands tall and proud, her posture a testament to her strength and resilience. The scene is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life on the Orkney Islands, where the elements rule supreme and survival is a daily struggle. Yet, amidst the hardships, there is a deep-rooted connection to the land and a sense of community that endures. The photograph captures the essence of the islander, a crofter who has made her home in this rugged, beautiful landscape. The image is a poignant snapshot of a bygone era, a time when life was simple, yet filled with challenges and triumphs. The woman's story, and the story of the Orkney Islands, continues to inspire and captivate us, a testament to the human spirit and the power of endurance.
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