Public Disinfectors

Public disinfectors, Pimlico, c. 1877. Photographed in the yard adjoining the Vestry Hall close to Ebury Bridge, Mr Dickson, the Inspector of Nuisances for the Parish or Union of St. George's, Hanover Square, stands on the left. The men are in front of the outhouse containing the disinfecting oven. Here the interiors, clothings and belongings from properties that have held severely ill and contagious people, were 'purified' before being returned. In addition, the properties were disinfected by the men in the photograph, who wear protective overalls before entering the homes. From a series of 37 photographs published in the book, 'Street Life in London' (1877), with text written by Thomson and the journalist Adolphe Smith. [p.16]