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The Sewer Hunter. This man eked out a living by hunting in the sewers for anything he could sell
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The Sewer Hunter. This man eked out a living by hunting in the sewers for anything he could sell
The Sewer Hunter. This man eked out a living by hunting in the sewers for anything he could sell, such as a lost ring. To give him light to do his work he is using a candle with a simple wind shield. Engraving from London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew (London, 1861)
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Media ID 9754529
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1861 Candle Give Henry Hunter Hunting Labour Light Living Lost Mayhew Poor Ring Sewer Shield Simple Wind Work Sell Sewers
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this engraving from London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, we are transported back to 1861 England. The image portrays a man known as "The Sewer Hunter" who resorted to an unconventional means of survival in the grimy depths beneath the bustling streets of London. With determination etched on his face, this resilient individual ekes out a meager existence by scouring the sewers for anything he can sell. In his quest for sustenance, he searches tirelessly for lost treasures like a precious ring, which could fetch him some much-needed income. To illuminate his murky surroundings and aid in his work, our sewer hunter relies on a humble candle protected by a simple wind shield. This flickering flame not only provides him with light but also serves as a symbol of hope amidst the darkness that engulfs him daily. This poignant depiction sheds light on the harsh realities faced by those living in poverty-stricken conditions during Victorian-era Britain. It reminds us of their resilience and resourcefulness in finding ways to survive against all odds. As we gaze upon this historical snapshot captured through Mayhew's skilled engravings, let us reflect on how far society has come since then while acknowledging that there is still work to be done to ensure no one is left behind or forced into such desperate circumstances.
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