Open Footplate by Day
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Open Footplate by Day
Bearded driver and young stoker on the open footplate : the caption reads Safety is of the Lord but our driver prudently keeps his hand on the brake-handle. Date: 1860s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14293039
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Bearded Brake Caption Driver Footplate Handle Operational Prudently Reads Safety Stoker 1860s
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Open Footplate by Day: A Bearded Driver and Young Stoker," transports us back in time to the 1860s, during the advent of the rail transport revolution in Britain. The image showcases the raw operational energy and unfiltered connection between man and machine that defined the era. The bearded driver, with a stern yet focused expression, keeps a watchful eye on the tracks ahead. His hand rests prudently on the brake handle, a testament to his commitment to safety. The young stoker, dressed in a soot-stained shirt and protective goggles, stands at the ready, shoveling coal into the engine's insatiable appetite. Despite the apparent danger, the atmosphere is one of focused determination and camaraderie. The open footplate, with its exposed machinery and raw power, underscores the physical demands of the job. The sun casts a warm glow over the scene, adding a sense of tranquility to the otherwise chaotic environment. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human element in the early days of rail transport. It speaks to the courage and resilience of those who braved the elements and the risks to bring people and goods from one place to another. The caption, "Safety is of the Lord but our driver prudently keeps his hand on the brake-handle," encapsulates the balance between faith and practicality that defined this era. This evocative image, from the Mary Evans Prints Online collection, offers a rare glimpse into the past, allowing us to appreciate the ingenuity, determination, and sheer grit of those who shaped the transport landscape of the 19th century.
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