Post-War Era
Typist Pool Worker
An extinct profession from Post-War Era that became obsolete due to technological advancement and societal change.
Media Gallery
Related Exhibits
Rat Catcher
In the bustling streets of Victorian London, where the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, the role of the rat catcher emerged as a vital occupation. As cities expanded and populations swelled, so too did the number of vermin, particularly rats, which thrived in the filth and refuse of urban life. Rat catchers were tasked with the grim yet essential job of controlling these rodent populations, ensuring public health and safety in an era where diseases like the plague and typhus were rampant. Armed with traps, dogs, and sometimes even ferrets, these individuals roamed the alleys and backstreets, seeking out nests and burrows to eradicate the pests that threatened the well-being of the community. Their work was not only a matter of pest control but also a reflection of the social conditions of the time, where sanitation was often neglected, and the consequences of such neglect were dire.
Moirologist
The moirologist, a term derived from the Greek word 'moirologia' meaning 'to lament,' was a specialized profession that emerged during the Victorian Era, particularly in the 19th century. These individuals were skilled mourners, often hired to express grief at funerals and memorial services. Their role was to provide a public display of sorrow, which was considered an essential part of the mourning process in a society that placed great emphasis on the rituals surrounding death. Moirologists were often women, who would don black attire and engage in elaborate displays of mourning, including weeping, wailing, and reciting elegies or poems that honored the deceased. Their presence was thought to enhance the emotional atmosphere of the funeral, allowing the bereaved family to feel supported in their grief. In addition to their emotional labor, moirologists were also expected to have a deep understanding of the customs and traditions surrounding death, including the appropriate attire, behavior, and rituals that were expected in various social contexts. They often worked alongside funeral directors and were an integral part of the mourning culture of the time, which was characterized by elaborate funerals and a public display of grief.
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