‘Leech Finders’ by George Walker, 1814

Leeches, a type of parasitic worm that feeds on blood, were used in medical bloodletting. ‘Leech Finders’ depicts three women, wearing white bonnets, wading in water collecting leeches. It was the job of the leech finders, usually women, to collect these creatures for medical use. The leeches attached themselves to the legs and feet of the women who plucked them off and stored them in the little barrels of water. Doctors grew rich at the expense of these low paid women.

Leeches, a type of parasitic worm that feeds on blood, were used in medical bloodletting. ‘Leech Finders’ depicts three women, wearing white bonnets, wading in water collecting leeches. It was the job of the leech finders, usually women, to collect these creatures for medical use. The leeches attached themselves to the legs and feet of the women who plucked them off and stored them in the little barrels of water. Doctors grew rich at the expense of these low paid women.

Leeches are now so much in demand that they are comparatively scarce, though still found in many parts of Yorkshire. The women who collect them are principally from Scotland, and though by no means the fairest of their sex, or possessing any claims to blue stocking celebrity, are notwithstanding by no means disagreeable subjects for the pencil. Their dress has some peculiarity in it, and they promenade bare legged, with considerable picturesque effect, in the pools of water frequented by leeches.