Magic Lantern Slide: Church of England Temperance Society Band of Hope group by Exeter Cathedral

This photographic slide by William Weaver Baker shows a Band of Hope group gathering outside Exeter Cathedral. The Band of Hope were an organisation which promoted abstinence from alcohol, and specifically targeted children in the hope they would shape their futures without alcohol. Each band had their own banner, which is probably the banner in this image, although the image is not clear enough to specify which band this is (?Church Of England Temperance Society Hoopern Street Band of Hope).

Weaver Baker often took photographs of buildings in Exeter, but also of special events happening in the city. The image is poorly framed suggesting it was taken in the moment – an unusual practice as equipment was expensive and took time to set up.