Emigration of Distressed Needlewomen
Publisher
Illustrated London News
(Established 1842)
Printer
William Little
Date1850
Object number00001086
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 400 x 270 mm
Display Dimensions: 400 x 270 mm
Display Dimensions: 400 x 270 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA page from the Illustrated London News from 17 August 1850. It features part of an article titled 'Emigration of Distressed Needlewomen' with two accompanying engravings 'Emigrant Needlewomen on Deck' and 'Emigrant ship, between decks'.HistoryThe emigration of single women from Britain in the 19th century was seen as solution to the perceived problem of a populous London, in particular that of the 'lower class' females. It was also seen as a boost to the relatively low number of women in the British colonies, including Australia and New Zealand.
In 1849 Sidney Herbert established a fund for Promoting Female immigration with his target group being the young, poverty stricken females on the streets of the capitals. These females were seen to be unprotected from the evils and hardness of the world they inhabitiated and one type in particular was promoted, the needle woman.
The idea of the "needle woman" was a popular image of the virtuous yet helpless female, one that was described as being "the most helpless of their sex - the working women of this country. This iconic figure was portrayed as industrious, hardworking and independent, but cruelly denied the just rewards of her labour and so particularly deserving of redemption from her awful fate". The Fund was presented as an oppurtunity for these girls to make a new start with the oppurtunity of gainful employment and the chance to find a husband and future in a new land.
SignificanceThe Female Immigration und was presented as an oppurtunity for these girls to make a new start with the oppurtunity of gainful employment and the chance to find a husband and future in a new land.
