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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: scobie79 on Tuesday 18 September 18 17:29 BST (UK)

Title: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: scobie79 on Tuesday 18 September 18 17:29 BST (UK)
Hello Rootschatters.
Attached is a photograph of a group of unknown women. I have no idea of the date, but I am hoping that their clothing will give an indication to someone, with more knowledge of these things than I possess, who can help in this respect. Also, judging by the unusual headgear of many, do they belong to some form of organisation (possibly something like the Mother’s Union)? Or is it just a form of dress that was normal for the time?
Any ideas or comments on this photo would be much appreciated.
Many thanks for looking,
Scobie
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Treetotal on Wednesday 19 September 18 10:47 BST (UK)
I would say this was Edwardian, typical form of dress for the era.
Carol
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: scobie79 on Saturday 22 September 18 11:26 BST (UK)
Hi Carol.
So early 1900's, then. An unusual group in that they are all women, no males or children at all. So unlikely to be a family group. Curious!
Many thanks, Carol, in that I can now at least put a date to the photo.
Scobie
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Saturday 22 September 18 20:26 BST (UK)
Some look youngish. 2 wore their hair loose, so girls probably in their teens. Woman and girl at front in pretty blouses. Perhaps it was a ladies' outing or an "At Home" event such as  a tea-party or garden-party to raise funds for charity or church. As the young girl in front was wearing a boater it may have been summer.
Do/did the Mothers' Union have any type of special apparel? I thought they wore their normal clothes.
I wondered if it the girls were pupils but the pupil-teacher ratio was unbalanced.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Wiggy on Saturday 22 September 18 21:30 BST (UK)
I think three or four of them look to be quite young! 

Second from right at back, and front left appear to be older women - others all relatively younger. (to me)

Wiggy
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Sunday 23 September 18 00:27 BST (UK)
I did say "some look youngish".  2 mothers with daughters?. Sunday School teachers?
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Wiggy on Sunday 23 September 18 01:24 BST (UK)
 :D :D  I was agreeing with you!!  ;)
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: jim1 on Sunday 23 September 18 10:52 BST (UK)
I can tweak the date a bit by saying this is mid-late decade.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Top-of-the-hill on Sunday 23 September 18 15:29 BST (UK)
  I know Edwardian women wore large hats, but there is something rather odd about these. At least three are quite similar and look like the sort worn now by some graduates. It feels to me like a school or college group - some form of graduation? I know women did not get degrees at that time.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: arthurk on Sunday 23 September 18 17:05 BST (UK)
... At least three are quite similar and look like the sort worn now by some graduates. It feels to me like a school or college group - some form of graduation? I know women did not get degrees at that time.

That occurred to me too - but none of them look particularly happy about the occasion.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: jim1 on Sunday 23 September 18 17:09 BST (UK)
It was just the style of the day. If it was some sort of college headwear they'd all be same wouldn't they.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Sunday 23 September 18 17:31 BST (UK)
I can tweak the date a bit by saying this is mid-late decade.

c1905-1910?

Is one woman wearing a fur stole?
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Sunday 23 September 18 18:13 BST (UK)
It was just the style of the day. If it was some sort of college headwear they'd all be same wouldn't they.

Was this the style described as "sectioned pancake beret resting on a flat brim" ? Worn for such activities as golf and cycling. Information from www.fashion-era.com
 Practical hats for busy, active women.


Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: familydar on Sunday 23 September 18 18:43 BST (UK)
Is there a bit too much ankle on show for Edwardian?
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Sunday 23 September 18 18:53 BST (UK)
The tall, dark-haired young woman at end of back row was wearing a skirt above ankle-length. A sudden growth-spurt?  Was the skirt of the woman next to her a bit short as well? I think I glimpsed her ankle. If they were in the habit of going out for country walks or bike rides they might have worn slightly shorter skirts.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Sunday 23 September 18 18:56 BST (UK)
None of them wore gloves.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: giggsycat on Sunday 23 September 18 19:31 BST (UK)
"The tall, dark-haired young woman at end of back row was wearing a skirt above ankle-length. A sudden growth-spurt?"

No. She accidentally tucked her skirt into her knickers.
---------------------------------------------------------------

The Local Chapter of the Hell's Angels out looking for a rumble.

Giggsy
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Monday 24 September 18 00:27 BST (UK)
Don't you mean her bloomers?
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: barryd on Monday 24 September 18 02:03 BST (UK)
I do not see any wedding rings!

Is that part of a building on the top left of the photograph as we look at it.
Title: Re: Women's Group Date and Organisation?
Post by: scobie79 on Friday 28 September 18 17:05 BST (UK)
Hello everyone.
Lots of interesting ideas there but, unfortunately, nothing that I can say for certain is the reason for this gathering of ladies. However, having the date pinned at close as that is a definite plus. Many thanks to all who responded with their comments and suggestions.
Regards, Scobie