Women's Thames Swim

Braving a mucky looking Thames, London’s finest women swimmers line up for a long-distance race between Kew and Putney.

Several dozen women take part in this race between Kew and Putney, waving at the camera before diving into the Thames – and it’s not the cleanest looking river, it has to be said. The race was won by Miss Phyllis Scott, an 18-year-old, who is cheered by crowds while looking absolutely shattered.

Context: London Screen Archives