Bobbing Charlie in One of His Disguises

Category

Library Item

Item no

28497

Title

Bobbing Charlie in one of his disguises at Melbourne Place

Artist / maker

Chrystal, Francis M.

Date

1900

Size

16.7 x 12.0 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

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Bags

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Boots

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Walking sticks

Clothing and dress > Garments > Coats

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Pavements

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