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Collecting ice at Serpentine, Hyde Park 1857
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Collecting ice at Serpentine, Hyde Park 1857
Scene in Hyde Park on the lake Serpentine, due to the cold weather labourers collected huge pieces of ice and transported them on small carts drawn by donkeys and ponies to be sold in London for fishmongers, clubhouses to make into ice cream.
1857
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Media ID 23080844
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1850s 1857 Carts Collecting Cream Dealers Frozen Hyde Icecream Ices Labourers Serpentine
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative scene captures the harsh realities of winter in Hyde Park, London during the 1850s as laborers brave the freezing temperatures to collect ice from the Serpentine Lake. The serene and picturesque lake, now frozen solid, transforms into a bustling hub of industry as men, dressed in heavy coats and hats, hack away at the ice with large tools to create manageable pieces. Small carts, drawn by donkeys and ponies, wait nearby to transport the precious cargo to various destinations throughout the city. The ice collected from the Serpentine was highly sought after, particularly by fishmongers who used it to preserve their catches, and by clubhouses that turned it into ice cream for their patrons. This labor-intensive process required a significant amount of effort and organization, with dealers overseeing the collection and distribution of the ice. Despite the harsh conditions, the scene is not without a sense of community and social interaction. Men work together to load the carts, exchanging banter and camaraderie as they go about their tasks. The presence of the animals adds a sense of charm and tradition to the scene, highlighting the importance of this industry in the everyday life of Victorian London. This photograph, taken in 1857, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of London during a time when the elements presented a significant challenge. The image is a poignant reminder of the simple pleasures and hardships that came with living in a city that was constantly evolving and adapting to the changing seasons.
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