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Madame Sweep: For men must work and women must sweep might be the slogan of Mrs
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Madame Sweep: For men must work and women must sweep might be the slogan of Mrs
Madame Sweep: For men must work and women must sweep might be the slogan of Mrs. Ada Riches, of Woodbridge, Suffolk. She had always swept her own chimneys. Now because of the shortage of men she has become a sweep, and cleans chimneys in Woodbridge, and villages around. Mrs. Riches takes her brushes, rods, and sootbag around on a bicycle. She starts work at 7am, and by noon has cleaned ten chimneys. The head and hair protector, reminiscent of the middle ages is her own design. Photo shows... here you see Mrs. Ada Riches arriving on the job, sooty, but cheerful. October 1943. P002138
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
Woodbridge
Suffolk
England
Media ID 21668201
© Mirrorpix
Brush Business Chimney Chimney Sweep Cleaning Dirty Labour Soot Suffolk Tools Worker World Sweep
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Madame Sweep - A Woman's Determination in Times of War
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In the midst of World War II, when men were called to serve their country, women like Mrs. Ada Riches stepped up and took on roles traditionally reserved for men. This print captures the indomitable spirit of Mrs. Riches as she embraces her new profession as a chimney sweep in Woodbridge, Suffolk. With brushes, rods, and a sootbag strapped to her bicycle, Mrs. Riches begins her day at 7am, ready to tackle the task of cleaning ten chimneys by noon. The shortage of men compelled her to take matters into her own hands and become an essential part of keeping homes safe and warm during these challenging times. As she arrives at each job site covered in soot but wearing a cheerful smile on her face, one cannot help but admire Mrs. Riches' determination and resilience. Her head and hair protector harken back to medieval times yet showcase her innovative design skills. This photo serves as a powerful reminder that women have always been capable of taking on any challenge thrown their way with grace and strength. It is a testament not only to Mrs. Riches' individual courage but also to the countless women who played crucial roles in supporting their communities during wartime. Let this image inspire us all to recognize the invaluable contributions made by women like Madame Sweep – those who defy societal norms and prove that hard work knows no gender boundaries.
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