Figure 1.--Hockey was a major sport at many public schools. This imsge was from a 1908 issue of "Chatterbox" and the uniforms worn are contemprary. I am not sure who the illustrator was.
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Figure 1.--Hockey was a major sport at many public schools. This imsge was from a 1908 issue of "Chatterbox" and the uniforms worn are contemprary. I am not sure who the illustrator was. |
One of the interesting aspects of the English school literature is that there are numerous descriptions and images of school activities. Ths is at a time, especially the late 19th century, when there are almost no photographic images of school activities. Almost all of the scholl images from the 19th century are stiff, formal class portraits. These school iiterature thus offer the only images we have of late 19th and early 20th century school life. Especially in the 19th centuy, photography was not capable of capturing images of many activities, especially sports here motion was involved. They are of course idealized images, but we believe do show an aspect of school life. We stress that these images are not of the school life of most British boys. Almost always they are images of activities at the elite public schools atended by the children of the elite and prosperous middle class. Sports were one of the principal activities depicted, but they were not the only one. Illustrations show boys involved in cadets, choir, clubs, debate, free time, music and a host of other activities.
We have little information about the Cadet programs at English schools or the uniforms involved. These programs clearly existed and are depicted in several school stories. As regards to the cadets at the shooting range, the story takes place at the Canbury Grammar School. It is about rivalry between two public schools to gain the honour of winning the coveted Dorminster Shield. The only reference to the uniforms are that they are kharki
Especially in the 19th centuy, photography was not capable of capturing images of many activities, especially sports here motion was involved. They are of course idealized images, but we believe do show an aspect of school life. We stress that these images are not of the school life of most British boys. Almost always they are images of activities at the elite public schools atended by the children of the elite and prosperous middle class. The three sports most commonly depicted are cricket, rugby, and football (soccer). Hockey is depicted toma lesser extent. Athlectics (track and field) and gymnastics are also featuted prominently in school stories.
Sports were one of the principal activities depicted, but they were not the only one. Illustrations show boys involved in choir, clubs, debate, free time, music and a host of other activities.
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