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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: s4rah on Thursday 28 July 16 21:40 BST (UK)

Title: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: s4rah on Thursday 28 July 16 21:40 BST (UK)
Hello all

Just wondering if anyone might be able to estimate the date of this photo for me. Searches for the photographer's studio have drawn a blank. Alice was born in 1890 if that helps. I've no evidence of her marriage, so unfortunately the absence of a wedding ring isn't much of a guide.

I'm also wondering about her outfit. I'm thinking it may be some kind of work uniform, like a cross between an overall and a dress... any ideas in this area would be gratefully received.

Many thanks in advance,
Sarah

(Sorry it's a photo rather than a scan - the original is at my mother's but I am burning with curiosity today!)
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Milliepede on Thursday 28 July 16 22:01 BST (UK)
It looks a very basic dress like on a farm or in a dairy but just my impression.  It reminds me of a linen kind of smock I've seen a farmer wear.
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Treetotal on Thursday 28 July 16 23:11 BST (UK)
Looks like she could be in the Women's Land Army WW1
Carol
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Wiggy on Thursday 28 July 16 23:30 BST (UK)
I was thinking something during WWII, going on length of skirt.    :-\  And hat.

Or is she wearing thick stockings, or maybe trousers under the 'coat'??

Wiggy
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Treetotal on Thursday 28 July 16 23:39 BST (UK)
That would put her in her 50s Wiggy and I don't think she is as old as that...I thought she could be wearing boots.
Carol
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Meelystar on Thursday 28 July 16 23:44 BST (UK)
Surely she is in mourning for someone with that black band on her arm?
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Wiggy on Thursday 28 July 16 23:48 BST (UK)
but it isn't necessarily black - could be, but could also be a dark colour signifying belonging to some sort of work party?     maybe.

Agree Carol - doesn't look so old.  And I did wonder about boots - or puttee like leggings.
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Treetotal on Thursday 28 July 16 23:50 BST (UK)
How do you know that the armband was black? The Women's Land Army often wore a green armband with the initials WLA. Which could be out of view....of course I could be wrong.Post crossed Wiggy....got the red warning
Carol
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Meelystar on Thursday 28 July 16 23:58 BST (UK)
Apologies just a suggestion
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Meelystar on Friday 29 July 16 00:02 BST (UK)
See photo halfway down, looks very similar

https://www.worldwar1postcards.com/real-photographic-ww1-postcards.php
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: Wiggy on Friday 29 July 16 00:25 BST (UK)
Reckonn you've nailed it Carol! 

That's a great link Amelia. 
Title: Re: Great-grandmother Alice Thompson - date?
Post by: s4rah on Friday 29 July 16 07:31 BST (UK)
Thanks all for your interest and time!

The Women's Land Army wasn't something I had thought of before, but judging by those postcards it's a great call, they are a perfect match - thank you very much Carol and Amelia.

Off to research the WLA!