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Our Superior Inferiors - an upper class lady charity worker
Lady de Tomkyn (at Cabbage Charity Sale): " How on earth are we to clean these pototoes? I DARE not ask Simpson!"
A well-meaning lady hoping to help out at a charity sale, cannot bear to admit her ignorance of domestic matters to her footman.
1916
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Media ID 14137019
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Charitable Charity Classes Footman Posh Satire Satirical Servant Servants Snobbery Snobbish Superior Upper
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this image from the Illustrated London News, published in 1916, we find ourselves in the midst of a charming yet humorous scene at a charity sale. Lady de Tomkyn, an upper class lady dressed in her finest attire, is seen expressing her bewilderment to herself as she gazes at a pile of potatoes. The charity sale, an initiative to support the war effort during World War I, was an opportunity for the well-heeled ladies of society to lend a hand and contribute to the cause. However, the domestic task at hand proves to be a challenge for Lady de Tomkyn. She cannot help but ponder aloud, "How on earth are we to clean these potatoes? I DARE not ask Simpson!" The footman, her loyal servant, stands nearby, unaware of her predicament. The lady's snobbish attitude towards her servant is evident, as she is reluctant to ask for help from someone she perceives as her inferior. This satirical illustration serves as a poignant reminder of the class divide that existed during that era. It also highlights the irony of the situation, as the charity sale was an opportunity for the upper class to come together and help those in need, yet they struggled to adapt to the most basic of domestic tasks. The image is a testament to the societal norms of the time and the underlying humour that often accompanied the rigid class structure. In conclusion, this photograph from the Illustrated London News provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a humorous and satirical commentary on the class divide and the challenges faced during charitable endeavors during World War I.
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