Time stands still

When I was 17 I inherited ephemera kept safe through two World Wars. 43 years later, I have incorporated some of the material into the pages of this website and on my Pinterest boards (both as Ruth Wade and BK Duncan). A handful of fragile periodicals, all costing one penny. They are yellowed with age and falling to bits now but their pages contain a feel for the people who looked at them as nothing else can.

These snippets are from 1913 – 1915. 

LABOUR VOLUNTEERS MODERN SOCIETY 1913 

On page headed: Impertinent Questions 

Flappers from 1913 periodical. Ruth Wade

“Why do you love him so?”
“I don’t know.”
“What did he say?”
“Nothing.”

[I don’t get it either; perhaps the humour is of the time]


MODERN LIFE 1914

Shoeshine girl from 1914 periodical. Ruth Wade

Occupations for the fair sex (as suggested by modern feminine encroachments)
No 3. “Shine, Sir?”

Votes for women from 1914 periodical. Ruth Wade


WORK: THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY JOURNAL OF HANDICRAFTS 1915

[Note the references to The Great War in some of these advertisements] 


LABOUR VOLUNTEERS MODERN SOCIETY 1914

[In the April edition is an illuminating article on what Beatrice Webb (called Mrs Sidney Webb in 1914 of course) had to say about equal pay for women. I will quote her article in full elsewhere in these pages and add a link here, so come back and check if you are interested.] 

“Before you know it, we shall have these females in the club here” what?” 


MODERN LIFE 1913


MODERN LIFE 1914

painted faces from 1914 periodical

The fashion of miniature paintings on ladies’ cheeks has been revived. Suggestions to indicate desires to admirers.
Top right: Likes being hugged (bears)
Bottom right: Fond of money (lsd)
Bottom left: Loves motoring (car)
Top left: Adores champagne (bottle and glass)

Cartoon from 1914 periodical. Ruth Wade

some impressions at the Palladium


MODERN LIFE 1913

1913 periodical. Ruth Wade

 

Cartoon from 1913 periodical. Ruth Wade