Victorian Era
Necessary Woman
An extinct profession from Victorian Era that became obsolete due to technological advancement and societal change.
Media Gallery
Related Exhibits
Newspaper Typesetter
The role of a newspaper typesetter was pivotal in the production of printed media during the Industrial Revolution and well into the 20th century. Typesetters were responsible for arranging the text and images that would be printed in newspapers, ensuring that each page was visually appealing and legible. This intricate process involved selecting individual metal type pieces, known as 'sorts', and arranging them into words and sentences on a composing stick. Once the text was set, it was locked into place in a chase, ready for the printing press. Typesetters worked in a noisy, bustling environment, often alongside other skilled tradespeople, such as printers and proofreaders, in a print shop. The job required not only technical skill but also a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of typography and layout.
Matchstick Girl
The role of a Matchstick Girl emerged during the Victorian Era, a time marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization in Britain. These young girls, often as young as six years old, were employed to sell matches on the streets of cities like London. The job was not only a means of survival for the girls and their families but also a reflection of the harsh realities of the working class during this period. The matchstick girls were typically from impoverished backgrounds, and their earnings were crucial for their families' subsistence. They would often work long hours, braving the elements, to sell boxes of matches to passersby, including shopkeepers and households. The matches were sold at a low price, and the girls would often carry their wares in small baskets or bags, calling out to potential customers in hopes of making a sale. The work was grueling and dangerous; the girls were exposed to the elements, and many suffered from health issues due to malnutrition and the harsh conditions of street life. The matches themselves were often made with hazardous materials, leading to serious health risks, including phosphorus poisoning, which was a common affliction among those who worked with match production. Despite these dangers, the job was a vital source of income for many families, and the plight of the matchstick girls eventually drew public attention, leading to social reform movements aimed at improving working conditions for children.
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