Boys of Gower Street School, Ladywood, with blacked-up faces

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Date:1890

Description:Like the maypole, the boys’ blackened faces were a part of May Day traditions. The day was historically associated with chimney sweeps. They would march in a procession led by ‘Jack-in-the-Green’, a garlanded ‘green man’ character who represented Spring and renewal. This was reputedly the only holiday sweeps and climbing boys had in the year.

Related themes:

Religious and Cultural Celebrations Photographers Ladywood Holidays Children and Childhood 1801-1900 (19th century)

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Image courtesy of: Birmingham Archives & Heritage

Donor ref:BA&H: WK/N4/50 (110/2412)

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