Department Gallery

A portrait of Rosemary Kennedy by Angus McBean

A photographic study of Rosemary Kennedy, daughter of the United States Ambassador, Joseph P. Kennedy. Angus McBean (1904-1990), began his career in the theatre making masks and designing sets. He took an interest in photography from an early age and from the early 1930s took it up as a profession after a stint as a window dresser in the department store, Liberty's. McBean's work was famous for being surreal and experimental, with work frequently featured in TheTatler and Bystander and The Sketch between the mid 1930s to the 1950s

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Selfridges, London - Confectionery Section

Selfridges & Co, Oxford Street, London - Confectionery Section. Founded by American-born retail magnate Harry Gordon Selfridge (1858 - 1947), the Flagship store in Oxford Street was opened in 1909. Selfridge was an innovator in the fields of marketing and advertising, creating a complete shopping environment of enjoyment as opposed to mere functionality. The perfume section was placed front centre (still in evidence in every department store today), merchandise was placed on open display and the store was backed with direct and widely-visible advertising campaigns. This set of cards is a fine example! The London store was designed by Daniel Burnham

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Home safety is home defense Men: to learn proper fire contro

Home safety is home defense Men: to learn proper fire control join the fire department auxiliary corps at the nearest fire house. Poster for New York City Fire Department encouraging men to join the fire department auxiliary corps, showing a hand holding a fire hose putting out a fire. Date between 1941 and 1943

© Mary Evans / Library of Congress