Apologies about the poor quality of the photo above which shows Elizabeth Quincey of Fulney Hall, Spalding. Elizabeth was one of the earliest recorded bulb growers. After her father's death she carried on his work of market gardening, experimenting with bulbs and flowers and she is listed in an 1885 Trade Directory as a 'wholesale fruiterer and bulb grower'. On the 1881 census her husband, Christmas Quincey, is listed as a 'gardener and seedsman'.
Below are a couple of photos of women workers in the tulip fields, the first one is a particular favourite of mine, probably taken around 1910, when the bulb and cut flower industry was at its height, all the women are tidy and spruced up ready for the photographer, stern gang master or farmer in the background. The second photo is slightly more natural, although again posed and all of the women except one wearing the regulation bonnets which were worn, both in agricultural and horticultural field work to shield the face and neck against the sun and to guard against sun stroke. These bonnets were worn well into the 1950s but were gradually replaced by hats and scarves.
Below are a couple of photos of women workers in the tulip fields, the first one is a particular favourite of mine, probably taken around 1910, when the bulb and cut flower industry was at its height, all the women are tidy and spruced up ready for the photographer, stern gang master or farmer in the background. The second photo is slightly more natural, although again posed and all of the women except one wearing the regulation bonnets which were worn, both in agricultural and horticultural field work to shield the face and neck against the sun and to guard against sun stroke. These bonnets were worn well into the 1950s but were gradually replaced by hats and scarves.
The photographs are charming and make the work look clean and easy, but of course it wasn't, as we all know any land work can be a back breaking, thankless and sometimes extremely miserable task, especially in inclement weather conditions.
These are such interesting photos, it's unusual to see people smiling in photos of that era too. I really like the sunbonnets, wish they'd come back into fashion as they are so flattering and also very practical. I'll look at the library for the book you mentioned,
ReplyDeleteglad you liked the photos, Rowan - I like the sun bonnets, too. Hope you enjoy the book :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rosie, my name is Karen Meadows, but unfortunately I cannot find a way of posting other than anonymously. I am writing a book on the lost apples of Stamford and its surrounding area and Elizabeth Quincey (née Cave)'s family was connected with at least one. I'm unable to see the photo of Elizabeth and wonder whether you would be able to email me a copy at karenmeadows2012@gmail.com. I would be so appreciative! I've read a couple of comments on Spalding forums that there used to be a portrait of Elizabeth's husband, Christmas Quincey, in the Ayscoughfee Museum, but South Holland museums say they have no record of this. In your research, did you ever come across it? Once again, thank you for any help you can give me.
ReplyDeleteHello Karen, many apologies, I have only just found your comments in spam. I took these photos such a long time ago when I worked at Asycoughfee Hall museum. I think they would have been taken in 1989 or 90 when I was studying for the Museum's Diploma, I'm not sure if I kept any records of the photos except in the dissertation I submitted. I may still have it but I will have to search and I'm not sure that I will be able to find what I'm looking for. Leave it with me. I'm 75 now and have ill health but I think I know where I can find what I'm looking for, just a matter of getting someone to lift and carry one of the heavy boxes.
DeleteHello Rosie, I am currently writing a book on the lost apples of Stamford and surrounding area. Elizabeth Quincey's family of origin, the Caves of Spalding, ran a nursery which seems to have been involved in the breeding and/or marketing of two lost varieties and her late husband, Christmas Quincey, carried on the tradition. I'm afraid I can't open your photo of Elizabeth, which I would love to see, and wonder if there's any possibility of emailing it to me at karenmeadows2012@gmail.com? Thank you so much in anticipation.
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