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Collections Crossover: VE Day 80 |
With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the original 'VE Day' or 'Victory in Europe' Day, we thought we'd use this week's newsletter to remind you of the excellent material we have on this subject a few months ahead of commemorative events in May. When Nazi Germany finally surrendered to the Allies on 7 May 1945 it marked the end of six long years of fighting in which the UK suffered approximately 450,000 deaths - of which about 70,000 were civilians. As the country celebrated on 8th May, Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave a radio address in which he warned, 'we may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toils and efforts that lie ahead.' Churchill knew that the aftershocks of war would continue to be felt for several years, as rebuilding programmes began and rationing continued to limit everyday items for the population. People were still using clothing coupons until 1949; petrol was rationed until 1950, and sugar, butter - and sweets - until 1953. The period also heralded the advent of 'cradle to grave' social care with the National Insurance Act and the National Health Service introduced under Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government. We have various photographs of VE Day itself, which evoke the triumphant atmosphere around the country, and particularly in London. The Photo Union archive has some great examples of revellers around Piccadilly Circus, while stills from several British Pathé newsreels through the Time to Remember Collection, give us images of soldiers returning home, visiting a clothing depot for their demob outfits, and the famous scenes of crowds outside Buckingham Palace. Various photographs document spontaneous street parties held throughout the country, and artist Kevin Walsh gives a colourful impression of the same among his body of work. John Frost Newspapers is as ever a comprehensive source for newspaper front covers, from both home and abroad, many complete with striking headlines. Historic England has a small but very good selection on building post-war housing, and of course the Illustrated London News is always a brilliant visual storyteller for any landmark event like this. As well as iconic covers, it also reveals many surprising aspects of life in post-war Britain from pre-fab housing to the return of rubber hot water bottles in 1946! We also have some wonderful ephemera that add 'colour' and atmosphere to this moment in history. There are music sheets such as The White Cliffs of Dover sung by Vera Lynn, comic 'V for Victory' postcards and Valentine's cards, as well as envelopes, letters, pin-ups, posters, and ration booklets. Although not included here, it's also worth noting our comprehensive material on post-war Germany via our representation of various German archives including Suddeutsche Zeitung and Picture Alliance. We've bundled over 200 images together here, so whatever your angle on VE Day commemorations, we hope we have something to suit. If you'd like help with a project, drop us a line. We'd be delighted to assist. You can reach us by emailing pictures@maryevans.com or you can call us on 020 8318 0034. |
Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd. 59 Tranquil Vale Blackheath London SE3 0BS. United Kingdom. |
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