Chelsea Workhouse: A Bible Reading (Our Poor) 1877

James Charles painted “Chelsea Workhouse: A Bible Reading (Our Poor)” during a time of significant social stratification in Victorian England. Notice how the artist captures a scene of the daily lives of women in a workhouse, an institution that was often the last resort for the impoverished. The women are gathered to read the Bible, perhaps seeking solace or meaning in their difficult circumstances. The painting subtly comments on gender, class, and age, reflecting how these intersect in the lives of those marginalized by society. The somber tones and the women's modest attire reflect the austerity of their existence. Charles’s work offers a glimpse into a segment of society that was often overlooked or dismissed, prompting us to reflect on the structures that create and perpetuate poverty, and consider the human stories within them.