Blacked-up entertainer in Harrogate, early 1900s

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Blacked-up entertainer in Harrogate, early 1900s

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

Media ID 32387070

© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans

Blacked Entertainer Harrogate Pierrot Blacked Up

EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Blacked-Up Entertainer in Harrogate: A Glimpse into the Past This striking vintage photograph, taken in the early 1900s, captures the image of an entertainer in Harrogate, England, adorned in blackface makeup. The blacked-up performer, dressed in a Pierrot costume, stands against a plain backdrop, his expression serious yet engaging. The lantern slide, a relic from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, preserves the image in intricate detail, transporting us back in time. Blackface makeup was a controversial practice used in minstrel shows and other forms of entertainment during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The use of blackface was rooted in racial stereotypes and caricatures, perpetuating harmful and offensive depictions of Black people. However, it is essential to remember that historical context is crucial when interpreting such images. At the time, blackface was a common form of entertainment, and this photograph offers a glimpse into the past, revealing the complexities and contradictions of a bygone era. Harrogate, a popular spa town in North Yorkshire, was known for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian atmosphere. The presence of a blacked-up entertainer in such a setting raises questions about the role of race and entertainment in British society during this period. The photograph challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and to learn from them as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable future. The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection, from which this image is sourced, is an invaluable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in the social history of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This photograph, in particular, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and contradictions that shaped our collective past.

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