Lot 86

Lot 86

 Rare occupational cabinet card showing, “A Ward in the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children”, as titled below the image. We see a variety of children, ranging from a couple older boys to some babies. It’s hard not to feel sad for this youngster and especially the depressed little boy sitting in his tiny chair on the right. There are two older nurses in charge of the day-to-day operations of the ward. In the background there is young girl also dressed as a nurse illustrating how children were often pressed into service during this period. She appears to be less than ten years old! There are a few hanging charts at the end of the beds and the rest are on the walls for health references. The room is at least skillfully decorated with paintings and plants unlike the sterile environment today. The photo has strong tones and contrast with some wear as seen. There is a wrinkled corner on the top right and some lighter wear to the opposite corner. An occupational cabinet card not often seen. By J. Moffat, Edinburgh.