Household Gallery

Mazagan (El Jadida), Morocco

The Harem of a Moorish Minister embarking at Mazagan. The Portuguese fortification of Mazagan, now part of the city of El Jadida, 90-km southwest of Casablanca, was built as a fortified colony on the Atlantic coast in the early 16th century. It was taken over by the Moroccans in 1769. The fortification with its bastions and ramparts is an early example of Renaissance military design. Date: circa 1910s

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Advert for Elkington & Co Victorian items 1893

Selection of Victorian sterling silver household items; coffe and tea service with tea kettle, afternoon tea set, fruit dishes, biscuit box, salts bottles, claret jug, scent bottle, cigar case, soda stand, nut dish, barometer clock all available at Elkington & Co in Newhall street, Birmingham.
1893

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Changing the Guard at St Jamess Palace, 1792

Changing the Guard at St James's Palace, 1792.Coloured line engraving, artist unknown, published 1792.During the 18th century the British Army recruited many African and Caribbean musicians in the household regiments. This engraving shows three black musicians in ceremonial dress complete with splendid turbans. These black Guardsmen would have been familiar figures to 18th century Londoners since their presence was necessary at the Court of St James's for the daily ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. Being a trumpeter or a drummer was not a purely ceremonial role. Commanders relied on musicians to communicate orders to their troops during combat so they always had a prominent role on the field of battle. Date: 1792

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library