Category Archives: England

40 Incredible Color Photographs That Show What Life Was Really Like in Britain in the 1950s

Unemployment was very low in the 1950s and it was a long period of prosperity. In the early part of the decade, there was still rationing. However, food rationing ended in 1954. In the 1950s living standards in Britain rose considerably. In the late 1950s, Britain became an affluent society. By 1959 about two-thirds ofContinue reading “40 Incredible Color Photographs That Show What Life Was Really Like in Britain in the 1950s”

Stunning Vintage Photos of a Vanished London’s East End in Color

In 2017, photographer Chris Dorley-Brown stumbled across thousands of extraordinary color slides, which belonged to local, East End photographer David Granick, when he was invited to examine the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives. Born in 1912, Granick lived in Stepney until his death in 1980. A brilliant photographer and member of the EastContinue reading “Stunning Vintage Photos of a Vanished London’s East End in Color”

Candid Photographs of The Rolling Stones Performing at the Alexandra Palace in London, 1964

The Rolling Stones’ All Night Rave took place at the Alexandra Palace in London on June 26, 1964. Organized by The Rolling Stones’ fan club, the show coincided with the release date of the band’s hit “It’s All Over Now”. The Stones joined a blues-rich bill that featured John Lee Hooker, John Mayall, Alexis Korner,Continue reading “Candid Photographs of The Rolling Stones Performing at the Alexandra Palace in London, 1964”

Swinging London: A Look Back at Carnaby Street in the Sixties

Carnaby Street is a pedestrianised shopping street in Soho in the City of Westminster, Central London. It is home to fashion and lifestyle retailers, including many independent fashion boutiques. By the 1960s, Carnaby Street was popular with followers of the mod and hippie styles. Many independent fashion designers, such as Mary Quant, Marion Foale andContinue reading “Swinging London: A Look Back at Carnaby Street in the Sixties”

A Street Doctor Displaying His Wares, London, ca. 1877

Photographer John Thomson (1837–1921) used the ‘Woodburytype’ process patented in 1864 for the images in Street Life in London, including this photograph. This was a type of photomechanical reproduction using pigmented gelatin, usually of a rich purple-brown color. The process was complicated but remained popular until about 1900 because of the high quality and permanenceContinue reading “A Street Doctor Displaying His Wares, London, ca. 1877”

Mick Jagger Posed for the Mug Shot, 1967

In February 1967, two members of The Rolling Stones, lead singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards were arrested at Richards’ home, Redlands, West Wittering, Sussex for drug possession. The raid had been preceded by a major campaign by the tabloid newspaper the News of the World, whom Jagger was suing for libel at theContinue reading “Mick Jagger Posed for the Mug Shot, 1967”

The Oldest Tavern in London: Vintage Photos of the Old Dick Whittington in the Early 20th Century

The Old Dick Whittington was situated at 24 Cloth Fair. This beerhouse opened in 1846 in a 16th century timber framed house. It was allegedly the oldest Inn in London although it was actually only given a license in 1848 and there are many pubs in London older than this, one of the oldest isContinue reading “The Oldest Tavern in London: Vintage Photos of the Old Dick Whittington in the Early 20th Century”

Amazing Vintage Photos of Manchester, England During the 1970s

Manchester is a major city in Greater Manchester, England, with a population of more than two million in 2018, it is the second largest city by urban area in the United Kingdom. It is fringed by the Cheshire Plain to the south, the Pennines to the north and east and the neighbouring city of SalfordContinue reading “Amazing Vintage Photos of Manchester, England During the 1970s”