London entered the 20th century at the height of its influence as the capital of the largest empire in history, but the new century was to bring many challenges. London was the largest city in the world from about 1825 until it was overtaken by New York City in 1925. The years between Queen Victoria’sContinue reading “Edwardian London as Seen Through the Eyes of a Russian Tourist”
Tag Archives: London
Amazing Vintage Photographs of 1900 One Thousand Mile Trial
In 1900, automobiles weren’t much more impressive than the horse-drawn carriages they were meant to replace. Internal combustion engines offered about 12 horsepower, but they were also loud, dirty, and unreliable. In a public effort to dispel that image—or at least the unreliable part—the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland organized the 1,000 MileContinue reading “Amazing Vintage Photographs of 1900 One Thousand Mile Trial”
Double the Hitchcock, Double the Fun?
Some behind the scenes photos of Alfred Hitchcock holding a plaster dummy head of himself on the set of Frenzy (1972). Frenzy was the third and final film that Hitchcock made in Britain after he moved to Hollywood in 1939. The other two were Under Capricorn (1949) and Stage Fright (1950). The last film heContinue reading “Double the Hitchcock, Double the Fun?”
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”
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 Retro Photos of Life in London in the 1970s
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just over 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a 50-mile (80 km) estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a major settlement for two millennia. The CityContinue reading “Amazing Retro Photos of Life in London in the 1970s”
“Hookey Alf”, of Whitechapel, London, ca. 1877
Thus in the photograph before us we have the calm undisturbed face of the skilled artisan, who has spent a life of tranquil, useful labour, and can enjoy his pipe in peace, while under him sits a woman whose painful expression seems to indicate a troubled existence, and a past which even drink cannot obliterate.Continue reading ““Hookey Alf”, of Whitechapel, London, ca. 1877”
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