This evocative black and white image shows young children sleeping peacefully on small cots arranged outdoors, wrapped in blankets. The photograph was taken around 1958 in the Notting Hill area of West London, and it captures a once-common practice at the time: outdoor naps for children in day nurseries.
During the mid-20th century, many nurseries and childcare facilities in the UK (and other parts of Europe) believed that fresh air was essential for healthy child development, even during nap time. As a result, children would often be placed outside to sleep, even in colder weather, bundled up warmly in blankets and coats. This practice was rooted in public health beliefs aimed at preventing illnesses like tuberculosis, which was a serious concern in earlier decades.
This particular image is especially moving and symbolic, showing a diverse group of children napping side by side in a quiet moment amid post-war London life. Notting Hill in the 1950s was undergoing major social changes, with increasing immigration, racial tension, and evolving community structures. The photo reflects a moment of innocence, equality, and calm, contrasting with the social unrest and inequality that often characterized the adult world around them.
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