CIRCLE OF TOM BROWNE THE SHOEBLACK BRIGADE watercolour

CIRCLE OF TOM BROWNE THE SHOEBLACK BRIGADE watercolour, 24 x 48.5cmThe London Shoeblack Brigade was established in the mid 19th c by Lord Shaftesbury and John MacGregor. It provided regular and better paid employment for children accustomed to making their living by cleaning shoes and boots. In the evening they were encouraged to attend lessons at Ragged Schools. Boys of the Central Shoeblack Brigade wore a red uniform and those depicted are plying their trade outside the Mansion House.