The last known UK-based survivor of a 2,500 strong army of Britons who fought with left-wing forces against General Franco’s facists in the Spanish Civil War has died.
David Lomon, from Slough, Berkshire, who fought with Republican forces in the bloody civil war which waged from 1936 until 1939, died on Friday aged 94. for more click here
A new exhibition will showcase the iconic poster art that has adorned the walls of the London Underground for more than a century. Poster Art 150 – London Underground’s Greatest Designs is being held at the London Transport Museum to commemorate the Tube’s 150th anniversary. Sam Mullins, Director of London Transport Museum said: ‘The posters were chosen by our panel of experts from over 3,000 in our collection and is the most comprehensive poster exhibition we have ever done.’ for more click here
During the early hours of June 6, 1944 – D-Day – lines of scared young soldiers waited in the dark for the order to board the landing craft that would take them into battle on the beaches of northern France. for more click here
A scruffy African-American family stands outside their run-down home while a dapper young man sits up straight in a waistcoat and suit: These are the never-before-seen faces of slavery and Emancipation, revealing families’ lives before and after they were freed.
The images themselves played a key part in allowing the men, women and children freedom – being distributed through the northern states as propaganda during the push for abolition, and employed by former slaves to showcase their new images.
More than 150 of the photographs feature in a new book, Envisioning Emancipation, which has been published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 on January 1. for more click here
After more than 700 years, quite a lot has changed in both the meaning and appearance of Christmas.
But when it comes to Old St Nick, ironically with his age, the one thing that may not have changed could very well be his big white beard as this unique collection of historical pictures show.
First pictured in the 4th century, in one seen example of a Russian icon dating to 1294, as history tells, St Nicholas Lipensky was a real man and bishop who would launch the many faces and stories we know today. for more click here
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father’s sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;”
Land of Song!” said the warrior bard,
“Tho’ all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!”
The world’s oldest home audio recordings to be made on Christmas Day more than a century ago have been discovered by a grandfather — in his attic.
David Brown, 71, was given a phonograph and wax cylinders containing audio recordings by his mum when she died, but had no idea what was on them, as the recording machine was broken.
He stashed the recordings in his loft and only re-discovered them later during a clear-out. He donated them to the Museum of London four years ago, where experts made the remarkable discovery. for more click here
A first edition Victorian Christmas ABC book showing how Brits celebrated the festive season 120 years ago has been uncovered in the library at Cambridge University.
The wonderful colour illustrations show a Christmas with plum pudding and party games, houses decorated with holly and stockings stuffed with oranges and nuts. for more click here
This report begins: ‘Account of the dreadful accident which took place on Saturday at Picardy Place Edinburgh, at the sale of Lord Eldin’s splendid collection of pictures, when the floor of the Auction Room gave way, and 150 Persons were buried in the ruins.’ for more click here
This broadside begins: ‘A Full and Particular Account of that FATAL ACCIDENT at Tarbet on Loch Lomond, on Friday last, 29th August, 1828, by the upsetting of a Boat, by which Eleven Lives were Lost!!!’ The broadside was priced at one penny. Its publishers and place of publication are not noted. for more click here
