Bobbing Charlie, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

14069

Title

Bobbing Charlie, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

Description

Bobbing Charlie stands at George IV Bridge near the corner of the High Street. He is wearing a cap and a long duster coat. In his hand he is holding a mug. A carved stone balustrade runs behind him.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1900

Size

20.9 x 16.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The sight of blind people selling matches or laces, grinding barrel organs, reading from the bible or simply begging donations from passers-by was commonplace in 19th and early 20th century Britain. In most areas little or no provision was made for the welfare of blind people beyond childhood, making recourse to these sources of income a necessity. It was not until the late 19th century that any significant efforts were made to provide employment for blind adults, and even then the developing network of workshops hardly provided good working conditions or adequate remuneration by modern standards.

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Related subjects

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh