The modern world in old Ladybird books. “An escalator is an endless belt of stairs driven by electricity. You should get on with your left foot, and step off the same way” (1955) Artist: WC Watson - ThreadSky

lbflyawayhome.bsky.social • 43 days ago

The modern world in old Ladybird books.
“An escalator is an endless belt of stairs driven by electricity. You should get on with your left foot, and step off the same way” (1955)

Artist: WC Watson

Comments

ninabake2.bsky.social•43 days ago

I was brought up in London so of course I stand on the right, walk on the left. Of course.
I now live in Glasgow where the rule is the other way around and I JUST CANNOT DO IT, even though I have been here longer than I lived in London.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escalator_etiquette

charleshowarth.bsky.social•42 days ago

Germany has the same rule as London: “Rechts stehen, links gehen“.

anothermike100.bsky.social•43 days ago

The same thing happens in different Japanese cities. In recent years authorities have recommended that the majority of people standing to the side so that a smaller number of people can race up the other side is inefficient. More people move more quickly if the escalator is packed.

ai-draws-m-hedberg.bsky.social•40 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/ai-draws-m-hedberg.bsky.social/post/3lfry5obh2c2z

quinnpiper.bsky.social•43 days ago

Every day's a school day!

alidoig.bsky.social•43 days ago

The girl’s head is weirdly positioned though. Almost as if it was about to do a 360 degree turn as in The Exorcist. Which may be why the woman on the left is looking at her so apprehensively.

jpofgwynedd.bsky.social•42 days ago

The look on the face of the woman in blue: yeah, SHE KNOWS and disapproves...

saskia-1975.bsky.social•43 days ago

I first encountered escalators on a trip to Sydney at age 4 and thought they were the best thing ever. As soon as we reached the bottom I would beg to ride back to the top. I guess my parents found it cheaper than a theme park! 😂

martinri209.bsky.social•43 days ago

theundergroundmap.com•43 days ago

📌

whatsmellslikeblue.bsky.social•43 days ago

"Yes, I have stolen your dog!"

wrensandrobins.bsky.social•43 days ago

I was scared of lifts as a child so the introduction of escalators was brilliant!

fennygoldfish.bsky.social•43 days ago

https://londonist.com/london/dogs_on_escalators

alexadwilson.bsky.social•43 days ago

I wonder why the left foot?

spacexecadet.bsky.social•43 days ago

Not sure I've ever stepped on with my left foot. What is that about ?

lbflyawayhome.bsky.social•43 days ago

🤷🏻‍♀️

robkread.bsky.social•43 days ago

Logically, it’s because you put out your right hand when you are stepping with your left foot, so that you would then hold the handrail on the right. Thus reinforcing the ‘stand on the right’ convention. I think!

spacexecadet.bsky.social•43 days ago

Could be - good thinking

xxxvatikinsxxx.bsky.social•43 days ago

“Step off with the left foot”

Standard military marching drill instruction, also hidden hint by authors of Catholic or Masonic persuasion.

charleshowarth.bsky.social•42 days ago

Aren’t those mutually exclusive? My Mum always used to tell me to watch out for Masons because they hate Catholics.

robkread.bsky.social•43 days ago

I think (again) it’s so you let go of the right handrail in good time … otherwise if your left foot is still on the escalator to the very end, your right hand risks being pulled downwards with the handrail. Less ideology more physiology

davethingy.bsky.social•43 days ago

That girl looks if she’s possessed. Definitely some 180 head going on there.

iolantherosa.bsky.social•43 days ago

Unnecessarily prescriptive!

rclongauthor.bsky.social•43 days ago

Good to see she’s following the “Dogs must be carried on the escalator” rule. I always forget to bring a dog with me.

andychisholm.bsky.social•43 days ago

Interesting use of words, makes me suspect WC Watson was a Freemason.

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