Smiling ladies at work
by Richovery
This 5×4″ photograph was found on ebay, no information on the reverse. Think it might be from the 1940s or 50s judging by the clothes. Almost all of the ladies are smiling and looking at the camera, even the lady in the far distance. I like the line of light reflected on the floor, the out of focus lady in the foreground and the solitary man in the distance.
lost and found 
What a lovely,happy photograph.Could it be a workplace or a work’s canteen? As you say,the shadows on the floor are lovely.Thanks for sharing Richard.
Thanks Mum. I thought it was a workplace too, like you said they all look happy. I thought a typing pool at first but couldn’t see a typewriter!
An unusual snap shot indeed, maybe taken by one of the staff as a souvenir of her office. The way the desks are all arranged facing the big windows suggest the need to have plenty of light on their work, though it doesn’t look like a typical typing pool set up. Maybe a wages or invoicing department, or something else important to the running of a big firm? Looks to be a petty cash box on the supervisors desk too. Notice the one guy at the far end ignoring the distraction!
Work which needs light makes sense, I hadn’t spotted the petty cash box. I thought it was unusual because they are not posed and very much getting on with their work until the photographer appeared!