Historical information
There was a Garzoli family living at 116/118 Windsor Crescent in the 1930s and still there in 1954; there was another Garzoli family also at 18 Windsor Crescent in 1954.
Significance
This is one of a series of photos that document John Turnbull’s First Communion. They are representative of this important rite of passage in the Catholic Church in the 1950s.
The sacrament of First Communion is an important tradition for Catholic families and individuals. Originally this was celebrated when a child was 10, 12 or even 14 years of age, however in 1910, Pope Pius X issued the decree Quam singulari, which changed the age at which First Communion is taken to 7 years old.
Traditions of celebration surrounding First Communion usually include family gatherings and parties to celebrate the event. The first communicant wears special clothing. The clothing is often white to symbolize purity. It is more elaborate for girls but boys wear ‘Sunday best’; it could be a suit and tie or even a tuxedo.
Many families have formal professional photographs taken in addition to candid snapshots in order to commemorate the event and some churches arrange for a professional photographer to attend after the ceremony.
Physical description
A black and white photo of 5 boys taken on the occasion of their First Communion. They are all wearing white shirts with ties. The boy on the RHS is also wearing a badge. They are seated at a table laiden with 'party food'. There are 2 girls in the background.
Inscriptions & markings
On rear in black biro in John Turnbull's writing:"FIRST COMMUNION 1951 / ME - 2ND IN FROM LEFT / I THINK LAD ON FAR / RIGHT IS JOHN GARZOLI"
