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Special Collection

Background imageSpecial Collection: Colonel David Stirling with a patrol in the desert

Colonel David Stirling with a patrol in the desert
Colonel David Stirling with a patrol of Special Air Service (SAS) men in the Middle East. Date: 1944

Background imageSpecial Collection: Playtime at Wimbledon. by William Heath Robinson

Playtime at Wimbledon. by William Heath Robinson
The new craze of Jazz Tennis caught in full swing by our extra special artist. A humorous illustration of tennis players dancing the foxtrot on a tennis court

Background imageSpecial Collection: HMS Good Hope in Great War Deeds, WW1

HMS Good Hope in Great War Deeds, WW1
HMS Good Hope of the British Royal Navy going down with her last guns firing, in an action against overwhelming odds off the coast of Chile, South America

Background imageSpecial Collection: Bryant and May safety match matchbox label

Bryant and May safety match matchbox label
Bryant and May special safety match matchbox label with prize medals and stating protection from fire and are not poisonous Date: c. 1910s

Background imageSpecial Collection: Army Chaplain in Great War Deeds, WW1

Army Chaplain in Great War Deeds, WW1
An Army Chaplain holding a night service on the battlefield, with a packing case as an altar and a tin mug as a chalice

Background imageSpecial Collection: Marriage certificate, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip

Marriage certificate, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip
Marriage certificate of Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor (Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II) and Philip Mountbatten (Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh)

Background imageSpecial Collection: LCC-LFB Fire display at Brigade HQ Southwark

LCC-LFB Fire display at Brigade HQ Southwark
The London Fire Brigade encouraged, for very many years, a good public image by opening its doors to the public to special fire brigade displays

Background imageSpecial Collection: Golden Arrow Pullman advertisement

Golden Arrow Pullman advertisement
Colour advert for the new Golden Arrow Pullman train from London to Paris with special boat service

Background imageSpecial Collection: Portrait of Winston Churchill

Portrait of Winston Churchill
A colour tinted photograph of Winston Churchill stood in the gardens of 10 Downing Street during the second world war

Background imageSpecial Collection: The Battle of the Roer Triangle; Second World War, 1945

The Battle of the Roer Triangle; Second World War, 1945
Sketch showing the Allied Second Army crossing the Vloed Beek in Holland during a night attack on the 17th January 1945

Background imageSpecial Collection: Alexandra Palace, the home of the B. B. C. The large transmitt

Alexandra Palace, the home of the B. B. C. The large transmitt
Alexandra Palace as the home of the B.B.C television service in 1936 showing the mast and transmitting aerials for vision and sound

Background imageSpecial Collection: The Illustrated London News Festival of Britain issue

The Illustrated London News Festival of Britain issue
The Festival of Britain exhibition opening, a special number from The Illustrated London News

Background imageSpecial Collection: Jesus Rejects Satan

Jesus Rejects Satan
Jesus, in the wilderness, is tempted by Satan with attractive special offers, but rejects them and him

Background imageSpecial Collection: Advert for Dunvilles Whisky, Belfast 1911

Advert for Dunvilles Whisky, Belfast 1911
Advertisement for Dunvilles Special Liqueur Whisky and Sunvilles Fine Old Whisky - " Going since 1808 - Quality now better than ever". Dunville & Co. Ltd

Background imageSpecial Collection: de Havilland DH. 112 Sea Venom F. A. W. 21 XA539

de Havilland DH. 112 Sea Venom F. A. W. 21 XA539
de Havilland DH.112 Sea Venom F.A.W.21 XA539, flying with the Aero Flight from RAE Bedford. First flown on 21 May 1954, delivered on 03 June 1954

Background imageSpecial Collection: Ad for Goodbye, Old Man by Matania, WW1

Ad for Goodbye, Old Man by Matania, WW1
Advertisement in The Sphere magazine promoting one of the most popular images painted by their special artist Fortunino Matania as a limited edition print

Background imageSpecial Collection: Royal family at home, special sitting for ILN, May 1942

Royal family at home, special sitting for ILN, May 1942
The Royal Family at home

Background imageSpecial Collection: Western Airways Poster

Western Airways Poster
Poster, Norman Edgar (Western Airways) Ltd, showing prices and times from Bristol to various destinations by Air Express Daily, including special day returns. 20th century

Background imageSpecial Collection: The Shipbuilder, Special Aquitania Number

The Shipbuilder, Special Aquitania Number
Front cover of The Shipbuilder industry journal, June 1914 issue, focusing on the Cunard cruise liner Aquitania, launched the same year

Background imageSpecial Collection: Lockheed P-38 Lightning in action; Second World War, 1944

Lockheed P-38 Lightning in action; Second World War, 1944
Illustration showing an US Air Force Lockheed P-38 Lightning shooting down a German aeroplane during the Second World War

Background imageSpecial Collection: Commandos Crossing the Rhine at Wesel; Second World War, 194

Commandos Crossing the Rhine at Wesel; Second World War, 194
Sketch showing the night crossing of the River Rhine, made by British Royal Marine Commandos of the 21st Army Group, near Wesel in Germany, 23rd March 1945

Background imageSpecial Collection: Poster for Ovo Sports Food

Poster for Ovo Sports Food
Advertising poster for Ovo Sport, a special food developed to provide nourishment during sport and training

Background imageSpecial Collection: Poster advertising a Cooks Tours railway excursion

Poster advertising a Cooks Tours railway excursion
A poster advertising a Cooks Tours railway excursion, described as a charming excursion to the West of England, calling at Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth

Background imageSpecial Collection: First airmail letter delivered, Windsor Castle

First airmail letter delivered, Windsor Castle
The first airmail letter ever to be delivered is handed to the Postmaster of Windsor, to whom it is addressed, on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle

Background imageSpecial Collection: Airmail postcards at Gamages, London

Airmail postcards at Gamages, London
People at Gamages in Holborn, Central London, addressing postcards and posting them in the special London Aerial Postbox

Background imageSpecial Collection: Douglas Dakota picking up a glider, Normandy; Second World W

Douglas Dakota picking up a glider, Normandy; Second World W
Illustration showing a Douglas Dakota, C-47 Skytrain, swooping down with a hook trailing to pick up a Waco glider, Normandy, France, 1944

Background imageSpecial Collection: Lms down Special

Lms down Special
The London Midland and Scottish Railways Down Special mail train heads north with the Scottish Mail

Background imageSpecial Collection: Royal Field Artillery in Great War Deeds, WW1

Royal Field Artillery in Great War Deeds, WW1
Captain Douglas Reynolds, Driver J H C Drain and Driver F Luke of the Royal Field Artillery, saving the gun from hostile fire at Le Cateau, for which they won the Victoria Cross

Background imageSpecial Collection: John Laverick, SBS on Crete during Operation Albumen - WWII

John Laverick, SBS on Crete during Operation Albumen - WWII
John Laverick, SBS and famed cook!) preparing a meal on Crete during Operation Albumen

Background imageSpecial Collection: Winston Churchill posing in the garden of the White House

Winston Churchill posing in the garden of the White House
Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, posing hte the grounds of the White House, Washington, dressed in his siren suit. Churchill was in the USA for a meeting with Franklin D

Background imageSpecial Collection: Hayes winning the Marathon Race. Olympic Games, London 1908

Hayes winning the Marathon Race. Olympic Games, London 1908
Photograph of John Hayes, American athlete, in the final leg of the marathon race at the London Olympic Games in 1908. Dorando Pietri of Italy collapsed after entering the stadium ahead of the pack

Background imageSpecial Collection: Buddha and Sujata

Buddha and Sujata
SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA, known as the BUDDHA ( Enlightened One ) He is entertained by Sujata, daughter of a village lord, who prepares very special foods to nourish him

Background imageSpecial Collection: Bystander Riviera number cover 1935

Bystander Riviera number cover 1935
Smart society enjoying the sunshine and amusements of the French Riviera in 1935

Background imageSpecial Collection: A succesful crop of potatoes grown using Hadfields Manure

A succesful crop of potatoes grown using Hadfields Manure
A succesful crop of potatoes grown using Hadfields Special Potato Manure - George Hadfield & Co. Ltd. (Established 1820) - Bone, fertilizer & Vitriol Works, Liverpool. Date: circa 1910s

Background imageSpecial Collection: The Mimosa Daily Mail arrives in Nice

The Mimosa Daily Mail arrives in Nice
An aeroplane arriving in Nice to deliver copies of the Mimosa Daily Mail, a special Riviera edition of the newspaper for people enjoying some winter sunshine in the fashionable South of France

Background imageSpecial Collection: Cunard White Star Liner Queen Mary

Cunard White Star Liner Queen Mary
The Shipbuilder and Marine Engine-Builder Special Souvenir Issue: The Cunard White Star Liner Queen Mary

Background imageSpecial Collection: Ghostly apparition produced by reflection

Ghostly apparition produced by reflection. Date: 19th century

Background imageSpecial Collection: View of Scotch whisky warehouses 1890

View of Scotch whisky warehouses 1890
General view of warehouses of Andrew Usher & Co, in Edinburgh, purchasing agents for the Glenlivet and Royal Brackla distillieries

Background imageSpecial Collection: Pearly King, Pearly Queen and daughter, North London

Pearly King, Pearly Queen and daughter, North London
Pearly King, Pearly Queen and daughter, riding in a cart drawn by a mule, North London. Date: 1922

Background imageSpecial Collection: Naval personnel watch H-bomb test, Malden Island

Naval personnel watch H-bomb test, Malden Island
British naval personnel in special protective clothing watch a thermonuclear H-bomb test over Malden Island in the central Pacific Ocean. Date: 1956

Background imageSpecial Collection: Lance-Corporal Jarvis in Great War Deeds, WW1

Lance-Corporal Jarvis in Great War Deeds, WW1
Lance-Corporal Charles A Jarvis of the Royal Engineers, winning the Victoria Cross by fixing a firing charge for the demolition of a bridge, under heavy fire

Background imageSpecial Collection: The Special Private Despatch by Margaret Bradley

The Special Private Despatch by Margaret Bradley
A colour illustration of lady dressed in a glamorous ballgown accepting a love letter from a unseen gentleman. Date: 7th December 1927

Background imageSpecial Collection: St Olave Union Workhouse, Ladywell, South London - Dining Ha

St Olave Union Workhouse, Ladywell, South London - Dining Ha
The festively decorated dining-hall at the St Olave Union Workhouse, Ladywell, South London - presumably a special occasion such as Christmas or a royal celebration

Background imageSpecial Collection: Barbara Woodhouse & Dog

Barbara Woodhouse & Dog
Famous dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse (1910 - 1988), seen here with Junia the Great Dane doggie film star, who must have her grey mouth hairs darkened with special make-up! Date: late 1960s

Background imageSpecial Collection: Olympics / 1908 / Marathon

Olympics / 1908 / Marathon
THE MARATHON Dorando Pietri passing through Wembley. He finished first but was disqualified because he was helped at the finish. He was awarded a special cup

Background imageSpecial Collection: Advertisement for Nuit de Noel perfume by Caron

Advertisement for Nuit de Noel perfume by Caron, Paris. 1929

Background imageSpecial Collection: Barman standing by well-stocked bar

Barman standing by well-stocked bar
Barman standing by a well-stocked bar. The cash register displays an advertisement for Bass & Co Barley Wine. Packets of Capstan cigarettes are on display below. Date: circa 1910

Background imageSpecial Collection: Woman patient, St Marys Hospital, Paddington, London

Woman patient, St Marys Hospital, Paddington, London
LFB Special Services trying to help a woman patient at St Marys Hospital, Paddington, London, on 15 April 1959

Background imageSpecial Collection: Two London firefighters awarded George Medal, WW2

Two London firefighters awarded George Medal, WW2
Two London firefighters awarded the George Medal, 20 September 1941. From left to right: J C Cunningham and H W Mould of Bishopsgate, being congratulated by a colleague after hearing the news

Background imageSpecial Collection: Duties of a large bombers crew by G. H. Davis

Duties of a large bombers crew by G. H. Davis
The duties of a large bombers crew of seven during the Second World War. Every man has a special task allotted to him. Showing a 27-ton heavy bomber over its target in Germany. Date: 1942

Background imageSpecial Collection: Coronation design, Maison Prunier

Coronation design, Maison Prunier
Coronation cover from Maison Prunier (a special menu perhaps?) celebrating the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother)

Background imageSpecial Collection: Market Reports Series - Country Ducks arriving

Market Reports Series - Country Ducks arriving
One of the Market Reports illustrated postcard series. Country Ducks arrived in excellent condition. Date: 1903

Background imageSpecial Collection: Poster advertising the Special Constabulary

Poster advertising the Special Constabulary, seeking fit men and women for part-time voluntary service. Civil Defence is Common Sense. Ask for details at your local police station. 1940s

Background imageSpecial Collection: Sir Walter Macarthur Allen

Sir Walter Macarthur Allen (1870-1943), Commander in Chief of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC). Portrait photograph by Hay Wrightson

Background imageSpecial Collection: Gustav Hamel arriving at Windsor with the airmail

Gustav Hamel arriving at Windsor with the airmail
The aviator Gustav Hamel arriving at Windsor from Hendon on the very first airmail flight

Background imageSpecial Collection: National Childrens Home, Edgworth, Lancashire

National Childrens Home, Edgworth, Lancashire
A birds eye view of the National Childrens Home at Edgworth, near Bolton, Lancashire

Background imageSpecial Collection: Princess Beatrice in 1860

Princess Beatrice in 1860
Princess Beatrice, later Priness Henry of Battenberg (1857-1944), fifth daughter and youngest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert photographed in 1860

Background imageSpecial Collection: A Confederate flag during the American Civil War, 1863

A Confederate flag during the American Civil War, 1863
Engraving of a flag made and waved by a Confederate lady, Miss Laura Lee, of Winchester, who later gave the flag to the ILN special artist, Frank Vizetelly

Background imageSpecial Collection: The end of the Zulu wars

The end of the Zulu wars
Mounted Infantry skirmishing with Zulus in a sketch by an ILN special artist

Background imageSpecial Collection: Dining in the Moonlight : In the Garden Grill-Room

Dining in the Moonlight : In the Garden Grill-Room
The Garden Grill-Room at the May Fair Hotel in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London showing diners in black tie and evening dress, attending to by numerous waiters

Background imageSpecial Collection: Gustav Hamels plane ready to leave Hendon for Windsor

Gustav Hamels plane ready to leave Hendon for Windsor
Gustav Hamels aeroplane ready to leave Hendon Aerodrome for Windsor on the very first airmail flight

Background imageSpecial Collection: Chaps Exercise Regime

Chaps Exercise Regime
A variety of body exercises, requiring no special apparatus, that will keep any chap in good shape

Background imageSpecial Collection: Hansons Special Mild Ale

Hansons Special Mild Ale

Background imageSpecial Collection: Statute of Catalonia (1932)

Statute of Catalonia (1932)
Cover of an edition of the Statute of Catalonia (1932), basic special law to the autonomous regime in Catalonia. Spain

Background imageSpecial Collection: Magazine cover, Automobilia and Flight

Magazine cover, Automobilia and Flight
Magazine cover of the De Havilland Aircraft Company, Automobilia and Flight, Special Aviation Number. Depicting a battle at sea, with battleships, a submarine and aircraft. February 1909

Background imageSpecial Collection: Bystander Silver Jubilee Number 1935

Bystander Silver Jubilee Number 1935
Front cover of a special Bystander number marking the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935

Background imageSpecial Collection: Woman driving a delivery van

Woman driving a delivery van
A woman driving a delivery van marked Spare Parts, Iron Bridge Service Depot Ltd, Special Delivery, Middx 2606, Day and Night

Background imageSpecial Collection: Easter Celebrations in Rural Russia

Easter Celebrations in Rural Russia
Easter Celebrations in Russia - The traditional cakes pictures are only baked once a year for the celebration. Date: 1902

Background imageSpecial Collection: Harvest Festival Loaf

Harvest Festival Loaf
Harvest Festival : A special loaf, in the shape of the famous Biblical Five loaves and two fishes. Date: 1950s

Background imageSpecial Collection: Wedding number of The Sketch

Wedding number of The Sketch
Special wedding number front cover celebrating the marriage of Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece, later Duchess of Kent in November 1934. Date: 5th December 1934

Background imageSpecial Collection: American Anti-Aircraft Guns near London; Second World War, 1

American Anti-Aircraft Guns near London; Second World War, 1
Illustration showing an American anti-aircraft unit firing at enemy bombers, during a German raid on London in 1944. The gun shown is a 90-mm weapon

Background imageSpecial Collection: Tragedy of the Marathon Race... London Olympics 1908

Tragedy of the Marathon Race... London Olympics 1908
Front cover from The Graphic. Dorando Pietri of Italy collapsed after entering the stadium ahead of the pack during the 1908 London Olympics

Background imageSpecial Collection: Gustav Hamel posting an airmail letter

Gustav Hamel posting an airmail letter
The aviator Gustav Hamel posting an airmail letter which he himself will transport by air to Windsor

Background imageSpecial Collection: Gustav Hamel signing receipt for mail, Hendon

Gustav Hamel signing receipt for mail, Hendon
The aviator Gustav Hamel in the cockpit of his aeroplane, signing the official receipt for the mail, just before setting out from Hendon Aerodrome to Windsor on the very first airmail flight

Background imageSpecial Collection: Last Supper / Miniature

Last Supper / Miniature
Jesus dines with his twelve disciples, making a special fuss of John

Background imageSpecial Collection: Comic postcard, Scottish special constable with wooden truncheon. Date: 1914-1918

Comic postcard, Scottish special constable with wooden truncheon. Date: 1914-1918

Background imageSpecial Collection: Portrait of a man in uniform, WW1, possibly serving as a special constable. Date: 1916

Portrait of a man in uniform, WW1, possibly serving as a special constable. Date: 1916

Background imageSpecial Collection: Front cover of The Illustrated London News showing the King of Siam purifying a white elephant

Front cover of The Illustrated London News showing the King of Siam purifying a white elephant. His Majesty is shown pouring lustral water over the sacred beast in its special pavilion. Date: 1928

Background imageSpecial Collection: Youg Spanish Couple dreaming of their wedding day

Youg Spanish Couple dreaming of their wedding day
Waiting for the happy day that announces our happiness - A loving young couple type out wedding invitations (possibly!) as they await their special big day! Date: circa 1930s

Background imageSpecial Collection: Alexander August Wilhelm von Pape (1813â??1895)

Alexander August Wilhelm von Pape (1813â??1895). Royal Prussian infantry Colonel-General with the special rank of Generalfeldmarschall. Portrait. Engraving. Detail

Background imageSpecial Collection: Westland Wessex HAS.3 XP142 Humphrey

Westland Wessex HAS.3 XP142 Humphrey (msn WA75), of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, at RNAS Yeovilton on 15 July 1995

Background imageSpecial Collection: Canadair 601 Challenger HZ-SFS

Canadair 601 Challenger HZ-SFS (msn 3017), of Saudia - Saudi Arabian Airlines Special Flight Services, at Le Bourget for the Paris Air Show in June 1989. Given Airshow serial 43'. Date: 1989

Background imageSpecial Collection: Larsen Special LN-11

Larsen Special LN-11. Carl Larsen designed and built the all-metal single-seat Special in spare time

Background imageSpecial Collection: Gardner Jaguar Special

Gardner Jaguar Special
In the Jaguar XJ/XK Special, Lt Col. AT Goldie Gardner broke the Class E world record at Jabbekke, Belgium. The new record over the flying mile was 173.678 mph. Date: 1948



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