Waifs and strays. 'Waif' girl. Hidden Lives Revealed Print this page Close this window *
Portraits of new arrivals were used as a marker of a child's progress in the Society. Case studies of some children appeared in the newsletter 'Our Waifs and Strays' describing how they had been transformed from a 'potential street loafer' into a productive member of society. These studies were often illustrated with 'before and after' photographs, contrasting their ragged past with their new-found respectability.
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Ref: XX17
Title: 'Waif' girl
Date: Around 1890
Location: Bristol
Creator: Unknown

Description:
Portraits of new arrivals were used as a marker of a child's progress in the Society. Case studies of some children appeared in the newsletter Our Waifs and Strays describing how they had been transformed from a 'potential street loafer' into a productive member of society. These studies were often illustrated with 'before and after' photographs, contrasting their ragged past with their new-found respectability.

Rights: © The Children's Society
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