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A sailor and his girl - Studio shot
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A sailor and his girl - Studio shot
A sailor (from HMS Llewellyn) and his girl - Studio shot. It has been suggested there is a likelihood these two are both chaps and that the fancy dress box (and wig store) was raided that day... Date: circa 1900s
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Media ID 18075493
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing studio photograph from the early 1900s, a sailor from HMS Llewellyn is captured in an unexpected moment with his female companion. The sailor, dressed in his full naval uniform, gazes intently into the eyes of his girl, who playfully wears a wig and a frilly dress. The scene is reminiscent of a theatrical production or a fancy dress ball, with the sailor's hat and epaulets adding to the theatricality of the image. However, upon closer inspection, there are hints that suggest an alternative interpretation of this photograph. The presence of the wig store in the background, and the fact that both the sailor and his companion are depicted in such an exaggerated and performative manner, have led some historians to speculate that these two individuals might have been cross-dressing that day. This theory is further supported by the fact that cross-dressing and drag performances were common in the British Navy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite the controversy surrounding this interpretation, the photograph remains a fascinating snapshot of a bygone era, where gender roles and societal norms were more fluid than they are today. The sailor and his girl, whether they were two men in disguise or a heterosexual couple, share a moment of joy and playfulness that transcends the boundaries of conventional gender expression. This image serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of human identity, and the importance of challenging our assumptions about the past. The photograph, taken circa 1900s, is a rare and intriguing find from the extensive collection of Mary Evans Prints Online. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of the British Navy, and the complexities of gender expression during a time when societal norms were in a state of flux. This image is not to be confused with any commercial use or reproduction without proper permission from Mary Evans Picture Library.
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