British fashion trends in the 1940’s were heavily influenced by the Second World War. Not only because of the mood of the nation, but also because certain materials were incredibly hard to find. Factories and their workers were taken over for making uniforms instead of civilian clothes, wool was prioritised for uniforms and silk for […]
1940s Fashion Trends Read More »
Known as an era of conflict, rationing and the big band sound, it is easy to overlook the rush of technology, science and design discoveries made between 1940 and 1950. Here are just a few of the discoveries that we take for granted today. 1940 – Colour Television In the autumn of 1940, Hungarian engineer
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The National Health Service opened its doors to much excitement on the 5th of July 1948. Prior to the birth of the NHS, medical costs were often beyond the average working class family, with many only visiting the doctor once nothing more could be done at home. Health care was delivered through a mix of
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To address the challenges of a second world war the government established a number of new departments to assist in their duties. Responsible for national food production and supply, The Ministry of Food played a vital role in feeding the nation through almost six years of conflict. Here are our top ten interesting facts about
The Ministry of Food in the 40s Read More »
In a recent post, A Trip To The Pictures, we looked at the popularity of picture houses in the 1940’s. But what other forms of entertainment were on offer? Entertainment At Home It was at least another decade before most British households could afford a television. The wireless offered entertainment and information for adults and
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As the world war progressed well into the 1940’s, importing food became increasingly difficult. Many strategies were used to try and address this, from reforming the Women’s Land Army to rationing food supplies and launching the Dig for Victory campaign. Nevertheless, a lack of important vitamins was clearly having a negative impact on the health
Rosehip Syrup – A 1940s Vitamin Boost Read More »
Citizen Kane Released in 1941 by Mercury Productions, Citizen Kane was the debut film for Orson Welles. At just twenty five years old Welles produced, co-wrote and directed the film, as well as playing in the starring role. The plot examines the life and legacy of wealthy newspaper publisher and industrial magnate Charles Foster Kane.
5 Famous Films of the Forties Read More »
With the outbreak of war in late 1939, attempts were made by the government to close all places of popular entertainment, including the cinemas. Mostly located in city centres and regularly packed with men, women and children, it was feared that cinemas posed a danger during bombing campaigns. But a public outcry meant that the
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In 1939, war time legislation made all men between the age of eighteen and forty liable for conscription, with over 1.5 million men of all backgrounds conscripted to the British armed forces by the end of the year. This had a devastating effect on the mining workforce. In an industry that was unregulated, dirty and
Keep the Home Fires Burning – The Bevin Boys Read More »
As the possibility of war drew closer in the late 1930’s children’s toys reflected the mood. Boys toys turned to military themes with toy soldiers, tanks and aeroplanes, while girls toys reflected gender expectations at home with dolls, tea sets and miniature home appliances. This continued into the early 1940’s, though the outbreak of war
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