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Mary Wheatland

(1835-1924), 'Bathing Woman of Bognor'; bathing machine operator and lifeguard

Sitter in 1 portrait
From an impoverished background, Mary Wheatland rose to become a famous Victorian swimming instructor, bathing machine keeper and life-saver, retiring at the age of 74. Wheatland pioneered the use of bathing machines in the seaside town of Bognor in Sussex. These ‘huts on wheels’ were changing rooms that allowed bathers to protect their modesty. Once a bather changed into swimming attire the huts were rolled into the sea to enable bathers to wade straight into the water. Recognised as the ‘Bathing Woman of Bognor’, Wheatland taught many holidaymakers to swim and was celebrated for saving over 30 people from drowning.

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Mary Wheatland, by William Pankhurst Marsh - NPG x197180

Mary Wheatland

by William Pankhurst Marsh
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1901
On display in Room 22 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG x197180

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