Creche for the children of munitions workers, WW1
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Creche for the children of munitions workers, WW1
Dinner time at a creche for the children of women munition workers at Birmingham. According to the caption in The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, the creche had been recently opened and for the cost of sixpence a day, children were fed, bathed and dressed in overalls.
1916
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Media ID 14139532
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Birmingham Childcare Creche Dinner Factories Meal Mealtime Munition Munitions Nurseries Nursery Creches
EDITORS COMMENTS
Dinner Time at a Creche for the Children of Munitions Workers, Birmingham, 1916 Amidst the chaos and turmoil of the First World War, the lives of munitions workers in Birmingham were far from tranquil. With the demand for armaments at an all-time high, women flocked to the factories to take up the jobs left vacant by men who had gone to the front. The responsibility of caring for their young children often proved to be a significant challenge, leading to the establishment of creches to provide temporary relief for these working mothers. In this poignant image from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, we see a scene from one such creche during dinner time. The creche, which had only recently opened, offered a sanctuary for children whose mothers toiled away in the factories. For just sixpence a day, these children were provided with a warm meal, a bath, and a change of clothes in overalls. The image captures the essence of a communal mealtime, with children seated around a long table, their faces reflecting a mix of hunger, exhaustion, and curiosity. The creche workers, dressed in white uniforms, attend to their needs, ensuring that each child is fed and comfortable. The atmosphere is one of warmth and care, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of life outside the creche's walls. The establishment of creches during WWI was a significant step towards recognizing the importance of childcare and the role it plays in enabling women to work outside the home. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by munitions workers during the war and the crucial role that community support played in helping them balance their responsibilities as mothers and employees.
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