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Hat factory workers, Southwark, London 1841
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Hat factory workers, Southwark, London 1841
Hat factory workers making beaver (or bever) hats at the Christy hat factory in Southwark, London. Men employed in wetting, rolling, pressing ruffling and blocking the hat bodies. Date: 1841
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Media ID 20147313
© Bubblepunk
1840s 1841 Beaver Christy Fabric Kettle Manual Manufacture Manufacturing Occupation Operative Operatives Pressing Process Rolling Rubbing Shape Southwark Bever Ruffling
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the daily routine of the dedicated hat-making workforce at the Christy hat factory in Southwark, London, during the early Victorian era, specifically in the year 1841. The photograph portrays a group of focused men, each engaged in a specific stage of the hat-making process. At the heart of the scene, a man carefully tends to a large kettle filled with water, readying it for the next stage of hat production. Nearby, another worker skillfully rubs and rolls a hat body, shaping it to the desired form. The process of making beaver hats, or "Bever hats," as they were known, was a labor-intensive one, requiring the utmost precision and attention to detail. The men in this photograph, dressed in simple work clothes, are deeply engrossed in their tasks. Their expressions convey a sense of purpose and determination, as they work in unison to create high-quality hats. The atmosphere is one of industry and productivity, with the hum of machinery and the sound of water bubbling in the kettle providing a constant backdrop. The hat-making process was a complex one, with each worker contributing a unique skill to the overall production. From wetting and rolling to pressing and blocking, every stage was essential in creating the final product. The men in this photograph are a testament to the manual labor and craftsmanship that went into producing these coveted hats during the 1840s. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a 19th-century hat factory, providing a window into the lives of the dedicated workers who played a vital role in the English hat-making industry.
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