timelines not only provide a richer view of a person’s life, they also identify gaps in research

PERILS OF THE JOB

In the early years of the 20th century sanitation and claims for injuries had become a concern for the industry following a number of highprofile cases of patrons receiving burns:

HAIRDRESSING TRAGEDY. A PICCADILLY MYSTERY.

Two deaths have taken place at Charing-cross Hospital as the sequel to a sensational affair in a West-end hairdresser’s establishment. The deceased were Miss Lily Holkirk, of Golder’s-green, and Miss Marcella Leon. Their deaths were caused by injuries received at the premises of Mr. Leon, hairdresser, of Great Windmill-street, Piccadilly on Monday night. Mrs. Leon is an in-patient at the hospital suffering from burns.

The affair is at present a mysterious one. Miss Holkirk, whose age is given as twenty-three years, went to the establishment for the purpose of having her hair dressed. She was attended by Mrs. Leon and her daughter. Suddenly the attendants in the gentlemen’s saloon were startled to hear shrieks coming from the ladies saloon above, followed by the sound of hurrying footsteps.

Just afterwards a lady with her clothes on fire rushed into the street. Some gentlemen who were standing outside immediately ran to her assistance, and, taking off their coats, wrapped them round her, and extinguished the fire. Hardly had they done so than Mrs. Leon and her daughter also ran into the street with their clothing on fire.

Policemen came on the scene, and the unfortunate ladies were immediately wrapped in blankets and removed to Charing-cross hospital.

Herts & Cambs Reporter & Royston Crow - Friday 15 October 1909