Wigan Album
Battersby
8 CommentsPhoto: Bet Wilkinson
Item #: 28752
how could you conceive that a lady so immaculately dressed with her hair so meticulously made up make a living as a pit brow lass? wow!
Such a sad story.
How wonderful to have the story behind the photo. Thank you Bet.
People say history is boring!Fascinating insight Bet.A dear friend of mine has Battersbys in her ancestry
She may have been a hard working pit brow lass but she certainly knew how to "dress up" and look after her appearance in her 'spare time'. She probably only owned one best dress and her elaborate hairstyle defies gravity! (no hair lacquer then).
When I was at dance hall, where I saw the pit brow ladies that I worked with, beautiful complexions, although they wore make up, there was no need for it. Beautiful ladies. They never went short of dance partners. Oh days of yore. Never to return.
your words give a great insight into that single pose.
Pleased to see all the appreciative and complimentary comments from everyone. Thank you. Pit brow lasses would have taken a long time to save up for a best dress and I can imagine having your photo taken in those days was a pretty big deal. Must have cost a pretty penny? Her wedding ring finger is hidden behind her back and so with it a clue to her age at the time of the photo. Can’t help wondering if she and her intended are related to Neil’s dear friend and as much as I would like her to be I have not yet found out if she is related to friend of W W Irene, but I would like Irene to know I have not given up searching as we are both connected to Battersby’s.