Road sweeper
This study of a road sweeper is the work of Arnold T Grier of Musselburgh, a professional photographer. The image captures Fred McGuire, an employee of the then Midlothian County Council on his route in Inveresk village and is one of a series documenting people in rural settings.
This is a black and white photograph printed on gloss paper. The subject is a road sweeper with his broom, working on a pile of leaves by a wall. He is wearing a hat with a brim, waistcoat, shirt and trousers.
Until well into the 20th century, refuse from streets was a source of profit for local authorities: the contract for clearing ’street dung’ (animal droppings) was frequently auctioned as it had value for composting and fertiliser. As the internal combustion engine supplanted horse transport, cleansing departments were initiated by authorities and the cost was borne on the rates.
Museum id no. Af980B
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