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Brixton Prison / Mayhew
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Brixton Prison / Mayhew
Female convicts during the silent hour at Brixton Prison, London. All prisoners were required to sit quietly outside their cell
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Media ID 603420
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10125961
1862 Brixton Cell Convict Convicts Crowded Discipline Hour L Aw Mayhew Prison Prisoner Prisoners Prisons Quietly Required Silent
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the quiet stillness of Brixton Prison during the silent hour in 1862. The photograph, taken by the renowned social documentarian Henry Mayhew for the Illustrated London News, depicts a crowded courtyard filled with female convicts, all seated outside their cells in disciplined silence. The prisoners, dressed in drab clothing, sit with their heads bowed or gazes fixed on the ground, creating an air of solemn introspection. The silent hour was a daily routine at Brixton Prison, a notorious institution in London, England, which housed both male and female convicts. During this hour, all prisoners were required to sit quietly outside their cells, providing an opportunity for reflection and order in the chaotic prison environment. The rule was an essential part of the prison's disciplinary regime, designed to maintain order and instill a sense of responsibility in the inmates. The photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of Victorian-era prisons and the harsh realities faced by female convicts. It also highlights the importance of discipline and order in the prison system, which was a significant aspect of the criminal justice system during that time. The image is an essential historical record, providing valuable insights into the lives of prisoners and the evolution of the prison system in Britain. The photograph's composition and lighting create a sense of depth and atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the scene and inviting reflection on the human condition and the complexities of the criminal justice system. This powerful image is a testament to the enduring power of photography as a medium for documenting history and shedding light on the human experience.
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