Psychiatric nursing probationers

[backman]

I have just acquired a group photo of what look to be probationer nurses circa 1910 and my simple enquiry relates to the belts many appear to be wearing.Unlike the petersham type belts and buckles of general nurses,these wear leather belts(presumably to support the large bunches of keys required for locked institutions?).is this in fact the case or am I inventing this theory? Anyone help?

[wilfb]

Hi Peter,

Sounds logical - any chance we can see the photograph?

Very Best,
Will.

[backman]

Will try but if I don't manage here is a link to the picture on my Flickr pages;  http://www.flickr.com/photos/backmanmal/5413839094/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[wilfb]

Hi Peter.

That is a real piece of nursing history - but I am absolutely clue-less. I mean about the origins of the photograph of course!...

I wonder - we do have a couple of members from the special hospitals of the past - maybe they can help... They don't seem to log-in very often, but we could always try to email the photo to them?

Will.