VictorianWorkhouseChild03

"Victorian Workhouse Child 03" was created from the mugshot of Mary Catherine Docherty, age 14. She was sentenced to 7 days hard labour after being convicted of stealing iron along with her accomplices, circa 1872.  Newcastle. This artwork series focuses on children from Victorian workhouses, who were forced into labour under harsh conditions. The series reflects the current situation in South Africa where parentless children work to support their siblings. The issue seems simple on a large scale but becomes complex when viewed closely. The artwork uses a layered transfer technique to recreate the children on canvas, symbolizing a multifaceted social issue. Each child has a unique expression, inviting the viewer to imagine how they would handle their situation. The artwork combines collaged materials on stretched canvas, with teabag paper creating a sepia-coloured background and transferred letters adding depth. The original images are sourced from Tyne Wear Archives Museums under the Creative Commons license. The artwork highlights the ongoing struggle of child labour and encourages the viewer to engage with the issue on a personal level.