In the (not so distant) past, every town and village had at least one of these - it's a washing place for clothes. Typically placed where there was a fast running stream of clear water with a place to scrub the clothes clean.
This (long disused) one is just outside the small village of Concoret about 3km away from us: it has a covered area each side of the central stream to shelter the washer women from the elements... nevertheless, it was a very rude existence
And, if you were not well accepted by the community -as it happened to the main characters of my new novel- you couldn’t wash until all other washers had gone (true story). Rude existence, indeed!
I am glad I don't have to hang my clothes outside as my mother did when I was young (though I know some who like to do this) let alone wash in a stream.
Excellent capture with great light, composition...What an interesting history on resourcefulness...I still remember my mom's wringer washer, outdoor clothes line, and fresh smell of outdoor dried sheets.
Good to see this on 365. Are you going to re-capture Montfort's too? @joansmor
Weather permitting, I hang washing outside! We are in the countryside, so city pollution etc. is irrelevant. Clothes etc.dried outdoors have a fresh smell...wonderful;-)
@s4sayer But I live in Maine wouldn't want to hang them out in temps like we had yesterday. And pollution is a problem everywhere in Maine because the weather brings it from the industrial cities in the midwest. I remember once seeing someone hanging their clothes outside in a town where they made paper. Have you ever smelled the air in those towns? Nope I am lazy when it comes to laundry and I admit it. I am lazy when it comes to housekeeping period. LOL So no criticism for those who are good at it just not my thing. Much to the regret of my dear husband in the day.
@kt8ird Well spotted Kate - in the summer of 2018 there were a series of art installations around the lake that feeds the lavoir ; these included an art installation inside the lavoir and in the stream, hence the date for which the plaque has never been taken down
@runner365 It doesn't show in the photo but this structure has definitely seen better days. There are others in the area varying from completely tumbledown to original condition so in view of the interest, I think a short series would be in order... watch this space.
@joansmor
Weather permitting, I hang washing outside! We are in the countryside, so city pollution etc. is irrelevant. Clothes etc.dried outdoors have a fresh smell...wonderful;-)
A series could be very interesting