Fotoreproductie van een tekening van brem verzamelaars op Chat Moss, door David Cox before 1873

Alfred Brothers made this photographic reproduction of a drawing by David Cox, titled "Broom Gatherers on Chat Moss," sometime in the mid-19th century. This image presents a glimpse into the lives of rural laborers and the changing landscape of England. The scene depicts figures collecting broom, a common fuel source, from Chat Moss, a vast peat bog near Manchester. During the industrial revolution, this landscape was undergoing significant change due to drainage and agricultural improvements. Cox's original drawing, captured here through Brothers' lens, offers insight into the social conditions of the working class. This photo reproduction invites us to consider the role of art in documenting and interpreting social change. By consulting historical records, maps, and social surveys, we can gain a richer understanding of the lives and environment depicted, appreciating the image as a valuable window into a transformative era.