It's all happening isn't it? Chelsea Flower Show is in full bloom, the roses are out; there was a soggy royal garden party and the Olympics aren't far off. And now, a General Election is on the horizon.

We feel a definite spring buzz in the air, particularly so here at the library as next month officially marks 60 years since the library was founded. Read on to learn what we've been up to, from an exciting fashion collaboration to a new exhibition celebrating a legendary photographer.

*GIVEAWAY* Joanie x Mary Evans Picture Library

We've recently begun to work with the excellent fashion folk at Joanie on a range of T-shirts and are thrilled to share the first two designs, here expertly modelled (ahem) in the library by Luci and Jessica.

Joanie's vintage aesthetic has seen them collaborate with a prestigious range of vintage brands and contemporary style setters from Laura Ashley and Lee Bender's Bus Stop to Patrick Grant's Community Clothing and Dawn O'Porter. So we are delighted to be in such fashionable company.

More t-shirts are in the pipeline but for now, we have teamed up with Joanie to give away one of these gorgeous art nouveau T's in the colour way and size of your choice.

Just email pictures@maryevans.com with your name and preferred size and design and we'll draw a winner next week and be in touch to arrange delivery.

www.joanieclothing.com

Youth by Roger Mayne

Just as the phenomenon of the teenager was emerging in the 1950s, photographer Roger Mayne was around to record it with his camera. 'Youth' is an enduring theme within his work, and is the subject of a new exhibition opening at the Courtauld Gallery on 14th June.

The show will share some of Mayne's iconic images of children and teenagers around North Kensington, alongside rarely-seen material, including a captivating selection of his own children and grandchildren.

As exclusive representatives of the Roger Mayne estate we have been delighted to work with the Courtauld team on this project, helping to supply images for the exhibition catalogue.

Click here for details of this must-see show.

Mods a la Mode

We shared some of new contributor Jon Santa Cruz's photography last month, but we've since received a new submission which we couldn't resist sharing.

The Isle of Wight has held a Mod convention for many years, and these images feature some of the attendees in 1998, dressed to impress in a dandyish array of sharp tailoring and shift dresses, all of course, with the requisite feathered or bobbed haircuts.

Election Selection

With the news last night that a UK General Election will, at last, take place on 4th July, it's worth reminding you of the comprehensive material we have on this subject.

A sizeable majority is already online and we've 'polled' together a selection here which hopefully gets your vote, but do remember we can search offline in our magazine archive (and various cabinets) for anything you are specifically looking for.

Drop us a line, take advantage of our labour, and we'll swing into action (and save you from having to read any more dreadful political puns).

Keeping it Real

Tom and Dawn visited the CEPIC conference in Juan-les-Pins last week where the growth and impact of AI-generated imagery was a hot topic.

We recently devoted a newsletter to this subject but thought it was worth reiterating our commitment to supplying original historical pictures at a time when our industry is acknowledging the importance of maintaining and authenticating imagery, particularly in the editorial sector.

We know this is a real concern for many of you, and want to offer reassurance that, with a library built on a vast collection of genuine historical material, we can authenticate any image held here at the library.

Mary Evans on Film

And finally, have you watched our short film, made in collaboration with Maze Bound Films to mark our 60th anniversary?

If you haven't yet, then do take a peek. It's a potted history of the library, from its beginnings to the present day, and it's a chance to see inside our lovely building and some of the treasures we hold.

It's now available to view on YouTube.