Manchester Races (1902)

Spectators enjoy a day at the races in Edwardian Manchester.

Horse racing was hugely popular in the Edwardian era, with a day at the races enjoyed by rich and poor alike. Mitchell and Kenyon's camera elicits poses from the elaborately dressed men, but it lingers most warmly on a bashful woman in a 'Picture' hat. As proceedings commence the pomp is forgotten as top hats, flat caps and betting slips are raised feverishly together.