The origins and the increase in popularity of the deckchair

JO CLARKE EXAMINES SOCIAL HISTORY

- Jo Clarke is marketing and communications officer at The Box

SUNSHINE and heavy showers have been the order of the day over the last few weeks, and this image really sums this up! It dates from late summer 1977 and is part of the South West Image Bank collection that transferred to The Box five years ago, when it was preparing to open.

It shows two young boys sheltering from the rain next to a large pile of folded deckchairs. They were obviously hoping for the best with the weather in their summer shorts, but planning for the worst with the waterproof jackets they also have on. I love the way that two of the deckchairs have been pulled forward from the pile to give them a bit of extra shelter.