A snapshot of 1911 Britain
A snapshot of 1911 Britain
Edward Baruch Blaker, beekeeper and cycle agent, with his bees (catalogue reference COPY 1/560/165) and, below, as he appears in the 1911 census.
05 May 2009
Among the paintings and drawings, musical works and advertisements that make up the records series COPY 1 are well over 100,000 photographs. Volunteers from the Friends of The National Archives have now provided online Catalogue descriptions of those registered for copyright in 1911 – over 2,700 in total.
Images of a changing world
The many images of urban and rural life and long-disappeared vistas will be of interest to both local and family historians, providing context to social and family research. Engineering feats and disasters are covered, along with the coronation celebrations for Edward VII, the Empire exhibition at Crystal Palace, and images of music hall stars. Sportsmen and women are also featured, including boxers (one photograph includes Jack Johnson – the 'Galveston Giant'), rugby players, footballers and T. W. Burgess, who swam the Channel for the first time since Captain Webb in 1875.
There are photographs of members of the royal family, but also of ordinary people, including bell ringers and beekeepers, Girl Guides and vicars. Advertisements for Calthrops cattle feed, Fulford Powders and Henley's Devonshire Cyder have a nostalgic quality in the era of pop-ups and product placement.
An increase in overseas travel is reflected in the many photographs taken on trips abroad, both in Europe and around the Empire. Among the more unusual items are a photograph of the embalmed head of Oliver Cromwell and another of an impression of William Shakespeare's death mask.
The pictures were taken not only by commercial and professional photographers but also by amateur enthusiasts applying for copyright under the legislation in force at that time.
Keyword searches
It is well worth trying keyword searches in the online catalogue for any areas of personal interest. This can include people and place names, subject matter and events, or the photographer's name. You never know what you might find!
