Baby and Nurse 1915

Before World War One, the largest group of women workers worked in domestic service, washing, cooking, cleaning, sewing and generally keeping their employers’ household running smoothly.

They worked very long hours and often lived in the homes of their employers.

Wealthy families also often employed ‘live-in’ nurses or nannies.

This photo shows Florence Russell with Nurse McGregor in Glasgow before going to Singapore in 1915.

Wealthy Europeans lived in style and comfort in Singapore, where day to day life was not greatly affected by the First World War.