Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Transport > Taxies
Female taxi drivers, WW1 by Annie Fish
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Female taxi drivers, WW1 by Annie Fish
Humorous illustration by Annie Fish in The Tatler showing a tongue-in-cheek impression of women taxi drivers during the First World War, more concerned with adjusting make up than driving. The Taxi Drivers Union objected to women driving cabs on the basis that they were not strong enough to handle heavy luggage and were liable to panic in difficult situations. Eve, Tatlers gossip columnist, rather ridicules these objections. Date: 1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14142059
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Annie Cabs Driver Drivers Driving Jobs Motorists Role Roles Taxi Taxis
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Taxies
Eve's War - The New Taxi Drivers,
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Tatler, 1917 In this humorous illustration by Annie Fish, we find ourselves in the unexpected role of female taxi drivers during the First World War. The scene depicts a group of elegantly dressed women, seated behind the wheel of a taxi, busily adjusting their makeup and hair instead of focusing on the road. The Taxi Drivers Union, with its traditional male membership, had raised objections to women taking on this job, arguing that they were not strong enough to handle heavy luggage and would panic in difficult situations. Eve, the gossip columnist for The Tatler, however, takes a lighthearted approach to these concerns. In her witty commentary, she pokes fun at the notion that women were incapable of handling the demands of taxi driving. "The taxi drivers' union, in its wisdom, has decided that women are not strong enough to lift heavy luggage or to cope with the excitement of the traffic. But what about the excitement of makeup? What about the heavy burden of a hatpin?" Eve quips, turning the tables on the union's arguments. Despite the challenges and objections, women continued to prove their mettle on the home front during WWI. They took on roles once considered the exclusive domain of men, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. This illustration serves as a reminder of the unexpected twists and turns that history can take, and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor even in the most challenging of times. Annie Fish's humorous illustration, published in The Tatler in 1917, offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the role of women in the taxi industry during WWI, challenging societal norms and adding a touch of levity to the war effort.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
