We have highlighted historical change through our own photographs, and comparing then and now. We have taken photographs of the interiors and exteriors of homes, together with photographs of staff and of residents with their permission, and compared them with the black and white photographs below on the same themes taken by Townsend in 1959.
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In Townsend's photographs of matrons and staff working in local authority homes or former workhouses, they all wear uniforms and several figures appear as forbidding, authoritarian figures (see p. 2 of Newsletter No. 1). In the photograph on the left, the hierarchies within the nursing staff are clear from the different types of uniform. Indications of a large and impersonal institution are given by the long corridor stretching into the distance with a tiny figure barely seen, standing at the end. |
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This is a 'matron' (second from left) and her staff in 2005 in one of the purpose-built local authority homes that Townsend visited which remains a local authority home today. It is noticeable that uniforms are still worn, but they are less formal and no nurses' caps are worn. There are smiling faces, linked arms and a glimpse of a more homely background with walls painted in pastel, and paintings hanging in gilt frames. (Photograph courtesy of Julia Johnson, 2005) |
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This single bedroom (photograph by Townsend), in a home run by a voluntary organisation in 1959, seems to have been personalised with the resident's own possessions: pictures, photographs, ornaments and radio. It gives the impression of roominess, with large windows which look out onto a pleasant view of trees. The easy-chair, carpet, large windows and vase on the windowsill indicate a degree of comfort not found by Townsend in the former workhouses. How does it compare with a present-day bedroom? |
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This is a bedroom in a local authority home in 2005 which was visited by Peter Townsend. By comparison with the above photograph, it seems very small. It is also a single bedroom and there are similar personal touches such as the flowers, potted plants and calendar on the wall. The small window looks out onto the grounds of the home. Floral curtains, wallpaper and a carpet give a sense of comfort and care. The personal washbasin is the main addition to such facilities. (Photograph courtesy of Julia Johnson, 2005) |
One of the issues in replicating Townsend's photographs is the change in technology. Notice below how different the same building can look when viewed through a modern lens.
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Photograph (a) was taken by Townsend in 1959; photograph (b) was taken by the research team in 2006. The striking contrast here is the difference between the black and white photograph and the colour one. Black and white photographs can create a false impression of depression, grime and poor surroundings, whereas colour can exaggerate freshness and brightness.
Our digital camera has enhanced the splendour of this originally 18th century building as it appears today, whereas the 1959 black and white image appears less splendid. This institutional atmosphere is added to by the posed glimpse of the Matron in uniform at the front door, talking to one of the male residents.
(Photograph (b) courtesy of Sheena Rolph, 2006)