A Polka-Dot Ladies Band

This photograph dates from around 1910, and was taken by the photographer Chris Wilson, the Marina Studio, Lowestoft.

The ladies have a variety of instruments, some are clearly kazoo/zobo-like and others (such as the tenor horn, bassoon and trombone) are more ‘standard’ instruments. There is no established or visiting band to Lowestoft or its area that fits these fine ladies during this time. It is most likely that this was a group that was formed for a particular occasion, a fete or carnival, rather than a touring ensemble. However their outfits clearly match each other quite closely, at least on the surface – looking closely you can see some variation in footwear and the dresses under the outer smocks.

It would be wonderful to be able to identify this group and the occasion they performed at.

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1 Response to A Polka-Dot Ladies Band

  1. John Carstairs Hallam says:

    The bassoon is a bit short! Maybe a tenoroon, but I notice that it has a single reed mouthpiece.

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