The Art of Abram Games

Some of the striking posters of Abram Games, British Official War Poster Designer in World War Two (he also did many of these posters). After the war he worked freelance, creating striking images throughout the century, including some great ones for London Transport (see this post). He was also known by the name "Olympic" Games, which is just plain awesome. 

From the Imperial War Museum (except one from the London Transport Museum). 

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Under the Sea

A nice silly post today. People doing stuff underwater!

From the State Library and Archives of Florida and the archives of LIFE. 

An underwater tableau, Rainbow Springs, Florida, 1953. Source

Underwater bicycling, 1947. Source

Part of an underwater beauty contest, apparently. 1959. Source

VE Day

Today, in 1945, war in Europe came to an end. Photographs of the celebrations!

Civilians and soldiers celebrating in London. Source

Crowds celebrating in London. Source

French civilians run in the streets, Paris. Source

Passing By

A strangely compelling series of photographs capturing people's reactions as they stop to try out the new Olivetti typewriter. No date-- I'd guess 50s, but 40s-60s for sure. 

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Tea, the Soldier's Drink

Sometimes even-- or especially-- in the midst of war, you just need a cup of tea. (Especially when you're British.... so much so, in fact, that this will be a two-parter, thanks to the Imperial War Museum!).

© IWM (IB 1882)

A solider drinking a tea next to a Red Cross mobile tea wagon, Calcutta, 1944. Source

© IWM (B 5349)

Members of a parachute battalion have a well-earned cup of tea after a three day fight back to their own lines, Normandy, 1944 Source

© IWM (Q 2309)

British troops have tea in Belgium, 1917. Source