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The Patriots by George Belcher, WW1
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The Patriots by George Belcher, WW1
Three rather shabby, working class women, who probably don t have much choice about how extravagantly they choose to dress, unwittingly become excellent examples of the advice given out in the poster they pass which declares, To Dress Extravagantly in War time is worse than bad form, is it Unpatriotic. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14143292
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Belcher Classes Economy Patriots Scruffy Shabby
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In this intriguing photograph by George Belcher, titled "The Patriots," three working-class women, their faces etched with the hardships of life, walk along a bustling street in 1916, oblivious to the irony of their attire. The women, dressed in extravagant, ornate clothing, are a stark contrast to the somber reality of World War I raging on the home front and at the front lines. The poster they pass by, with the bold title "To Dress Extravagantly in War Time is Worse than Bad Form, Is it Unpatriotic?", seems to mock their fashion choices. The humor in this image lies in the unexpected juxtaposition of the women's shabby appearance and their unwitting disregard for the patriotic call to dress modestly. Their clothes, which may have been their only luxury and source of pride, are now a symbol of misplaced extravagance. The women, likely with limited resources and even less choice, are unaware of the unintended impact of their appearance. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the economic challenges faced by the working classes during World War I. The war had disrupted traditional industries and livelihoods, leading to increased poverty and hardship. The women in the photograph represent the many who struggled to make ends meet while also trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. George Belcher's "The Patriots" is a humorous yet thought-provoking commentary on the realities of life during wartime. It offers a glimpse into the daily struggles of working-class women and the challenges they faced in maintaining their dignity and sense of self-worth amidst the economic hardships brought about by the war.
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