Shampooer?

[Tsu]

In the context of a census occupation, what did a shampooer do?

I'm looking for Thomas William Jones b. 1825 Camden, London.  In 1851 he was living with his parents and siblings and was a salesman.  I've found someone who might be him in 1861 but lodging with a 64 year old woman and they are both shampooers.

Was it a skilled job, or is it possible this could be my man?

[Jeuel]

According to the Old Occupations website http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/s.html


a shampooer was "Masseur/masseuse in a Turkish baths".

[Tsu]

Ah.  I wonder whether there was a turkish bath closeby where he lived?

His address was Upper Berkely Street, Marylebone.

[jane l]

have you looked at the
Victorianturkishbath.org webs site
if you play around with it you will find the list of all the turkish baths in London
Jane

[Tsu]

There was a turkish bath right around the corner from where he lived, in Seymour Place.

Tying this TW Jones to the one that is definitely min in 1851 is proving more tricky.

[stanmapstone]

Shampooer (turkish bath); rubs, soaps and douches bathers after they have perspired sufficiently; often also gives massage, and rubs in medicated ointments as desired or prescribed; usually stokes fires from time to time. "A Dictionary of Occupational Terms"

Stan

[Tsu]

Thanks Stan.