MUSIC OF MY ERA

MUSIC OF MY ERA

Sunday, April 16, 2017



PRE WAR EUROPE: A SUMMER STORY




Finch's wine bar in Oxford Street, London, next to John Lewis & Co, in January 1936. The property was due to be auctioned the following March and was expected to fetch an extremely high price of £100,000 offer having already been turned down
Finch's wine bar in Oxford Street, London, next to John Lewis & Co, is pictured left in January 1936. The property was due to be auctioned the following March and was expected to fetch an extremely high price - after a £100,000 offer had already been turned down. Pictured right is a swimming pool on the roof of the Piccadilly London hotel in August 1932




Quai des Tuileries






From the 1930s reveal a bustling pre-Blitz London


  • The men from nearby St. Thomas' Hospital are pictured resting in their beds in open air while being tended to
  • At nearby Hyde Park three women are seen carrying their gas masks while going for a swim in the Serpentine
  • The shots are from Getty Images - which holds tens of millions of historical negatives in hundreds of archives

These fascinating black and white pictures turn back the clock to a bygone era - revealing bustling city scenes in pre-Blitz 1930s London.The collection of images shows everything from swimsuit-clad women carrying their gas masks to tuberculosis patients enjoying the sun on the banks of the Thames.The men - who were wheeled out from nearby St. Thomas' Hospital - are pictured resting in their beds in the open air while being tended to by a nurse.The Houses of Parliament can be seen in the background in the historical photograph from 1936. 


Tuberculosis patients from St. Thomas' Hospital rest in their beds in the open air by the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, in May 1936
Tuberculosis patients from St. Thomas' Hospital rest in their beds in the open air by the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, in May 1936


Three women pictured going for a swim in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London, while carrying their gas masks
  
Three women pictured going for a swim in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London, while carrying their gas masksEmergency buses leaving Victoria station in London, following an underground train crash on the District Line in May 1938
Emergency buses leaving Victoria station in London, following an underground train crash on the District Line in May 1938Meanwhile at nearby Hyde Park three women are pictured carrying their gas masks while going for a swim in the Serpentine.The stunning collection also shows American silent film actress Phyllis Gordon window-shopping with her four-year-old cheetah.The animal was flown to Britain from Kenya and she happily walked it around the capital on a chain and collar while she was on shopping trips.
American silent film actress Phyllis Gordon window-shopping in Earls Court, London with her four-year-old cheetah who was flown to Britain from Kenya
American silent film actress Phyllis Gordon window-shopping in Earls Court, London with her four-year-old cheetah who was flown to Britain from KenyaChildren pour out of their school in Drew Street, Silvertown, in the east end of London, with the liner Rajputana in the background in January 1932
Children pour out of their school in Drew Street, Silvertown, in the east end of London, with the liner Rajputana in the background in January 1932Two divers jumping off the Embankment into the River Thames in London, near Westminster Bridge
Two divers jumping off the Embankment into the River Thames in London, near Westminster BridgeA water cart man turns the water main on a group of boys to help them cool off in a street in Westminster, London during a heatwave in August 1930
A water cart man turns the water main on a group of boys to help them cool off in a street in Westminster, London during a heatwave in August 1930A Black & White milk bar on the corner of Whitefriars Street and Fleet Street, London in August 1935
A Black & White milk bar on the corner of Whitefriars Street and Fleet Street, London in August 1935
Other images show relics of the past such as a Black & White milk bar on the corner of Whitefriars Street and Fleet Street - as well as Finch's wine bar in Oxford Street, London, next to John Lewis & Co.The property was due to be auctioned the following March and was expected to fetch an extremely high price - after a £100,000 offer had already been turned down.In other pictures women can be seen enjoying themselves while on holiday and nannies are photographed pushing prams through Hyde Park - which appears to be far less crowded than it is nowadays.The shots are from Getty Images - which holds tens of millions of negatives in hundreds of archives chronicling some of the most important periods in history.Early morning rush hour traffic crossing London Bridge, central London in January 1933
Early morning rush hour traffic crossing London Bridge, central London in January 1933Victor Berlemont, a moustachioed French publican working in an establishment of London's Soho
Victor Berlemont, a moustachioed French publican working in an establishment of London's SohoA crowd of people wearing swimwear bathing in the Serpentine during the high temperatures in London's Hyde Park in August 1930
A crowd of people wearing swimwear bathing in the Serpentine during the high temperatures in London's Hyde Park in August 1930Nannies push prams in Hyde Park, London alongside Rotten Row in 1936
Nannies push prams in Hyde Park, London alongside Rotten Row in 1936Two holidaymakers amuse themselves with a porter's trolley whilst waiting for their train at Euston Station, London, in August 1939
Two holidaymakers amuse themselves with a porter's trolley whilst waiting for their train at Euston Station, London, in August 1939A young exhibitor arrives with her kitten on a lead at the National Cat Club show at Crystal Palace, London, in December 1931
A young exhibitor arrives with her kitten on a lead at the National Cat Club show at Crystal Palace, London, in December 1931Finch's wine bar in Oxford Street, London, next to John Lewis & Co. The property was due to be auctioned the following March and was expected to fetch an extremely high price - after a £100,000 offer had already been turned down.
Finch's wine bar in Oxford Street, London, next to John Lewis & Co, in January 1936. The property was due to be auctioned the following March and was expected to fetch an extremely high price of £100,000 offer having already been turned down
Finch's wine bar in Oxford Street, London, next to John Lewis & Co, is pictured left in January 1936. The property was due to be auctioned the following March and was expected to fetch an extremely high price - after a £100,000 offer had already been turned down. Pictured right is a swimming pool on the roof of the Piccadilly London hotel in August 1932
School children play in Hyde Park on a sunny day in 1935.
School children play in Hyde Park on a sunny day in 1935.
Londoners in bathing suits taking advantage of a heat wave at Hyde Park lido in June 1933
Londoners in bathing suits taking advantage of a heat wave at Hyde Park lido in June 1933
Two young boys are pictured out for a walk wearing shorts because of the heatwave in London, England in August 1932
Two young boys are pictured out for a walk wearing shorts because of the heatwave in London, England in August 1932
Children playing cricket in a street in Millwall, east London in August 1938. A liner on the Thames is seen in the background
Children playing cricket in a street in Millwall, east London in August 1938. A liner on the Thames is seen in the background
Four swimmers enjoy an ice-cream at the water's edge in Roehampton swimming pool in May 1936
Four swimmers enjoy an ice-cream at the water's edge in Roehampton swimming pool in May 1936
Queen Victoria's Jubilee Clock is moved to another place in front of a crowd of spectators in August 1938
Queen Victoria's Jubilee Clock is moved to another place in front of a crowd of spectators in August 1938
A cleaner dusts a cast of a dinosaur skeleton at the Natural History Museum in London in November 1936. The cast was made from the D. Carnegiei diplodocus at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh in the US state of Pennsylvania
A cleaner dusts a cast of a dinosaur skeleton at the Natural History Museum in London in November 1936. The cast was made from the D. Carnegiei diplodocus at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh in the US state of Pennsylvania
Alittle girl drinking from a fountain with a lion's head at Finchley Swimming Pool, London in August, 1937. Outdoor swimming pools became popularly known as 'lidos' in the 1930s - and proved to be very popular during the first half of the 20th century in Britain. This photograph has been selected from the Daily Herald Archive, a collection of over three million photographs. The archive holds work of international, national and local importance by both staff and agency photographers.
A little girl drinking from a fountain with a lion's head at Finchley Swimming Pool, London in August 1937. Outdoor swimming pools became popularly known as 'lidos' in the 1930s - and proved to be very popular during the first half of the 20th century

Sunshine and swastikas: Rare colour pictures of 1930s Berlin show carefree life in Hitler’s capital before war that reduced it to rubble

  • Uncovered images show glimpse into life in the city as it lurches toward war
  • As well as chilling images of swastikas and soldiers, the pictures show life scenes of ordinary Germans


This collection of rare color photos of Berlin in 1937, taken by Thomas Neumann and uncovered from Norwegian archives, show life in the German capital during a tumultuous decade.
They capture scenes in the vibrant city, which was under the iron grip of Adolf Hitler and his Third Reich at the very height of his power. Yet just eight years later the city was in ruins as Russians and Allies occupied it in victory.
But at the time these images were taken, Hitler's Berlin was vibrant. Hitler had taken power after the collapse of the democratic Weimar Republic in 1933 as severe economic problems caused by the Great Depression drove ordinary Germans into the far-right party's arms.
As well as chilling pictures of buildings emblazoned with swastikas, there are scenes of ordinary life as Germans go about their business. They show a child in a sun-drenched square, smiling friends at a train station, a cart selling bananas and a food vendor in a sunny park.
Regal: These rare color photos of Berlin in 1937 give a unique perspective of the capital's pre-war period. The Stadtschloss, or Berlin City Palace. It was heavily damaged during bombing and demolished by East German authorities after the war
Regal: These rare color photos of Berlin in 1937 give a unique perspective of the capital's pre-war period. The Stadtschloss, or Berlin City Palace, was heavily damaged during bombing and demolished by East German authorities after the war
Devastated: The Stadtschloss after it was gutted by Allied bombs. It was torn down by East German authorities after the war but is currently being rebuilt
Devastated: The Stadtschloss after it was gutted by Allied bombs. It was torn down by East German authorities after the war but is currently being rebuilt
Ominous: In 1937 Hitler was at the very peak of his power. Ordinary Germans were content and opposition was being ruthlessly crushed
Ominous: In 1937 Hitler was at the very peak of his power. Ordinary Germans were content and opposition was being ruthlessly crushed
Smiling: An unknown trio at a train station. it is likely they were friends or colleagues of the photographer
Smiling: An unknown trio at a train station. It is likely they were friends or colleagues of the photographer
Rally: Soldiers and civilians at a rally on the decorated streets in Berlin. This photo is believed to have been taken on Labour Day (May 1) in 1937
Rally: Soldiers and civilians at a rally on the decorated streets in Berlin. This photo is believed to have been taken on Labour Day (May 1) in 1937
Bustle: A cart sells fruit on a busy Berlin street
Bustle: A cart sells fruit on a busy Berlin street
Norwegian engineer Thomas Neumann (1901-1978) took the photos while working in Germany. The film he used was the first of its kind, and there are few similar images preserved in Norwegian collections. His coloured pictures gives historians a valuable view of the interwar period.
In 2007 his photo gallery given to the National Archives of Norway by his daughter.
Thomas Neumann trained as an electrical engineer in Dresden. After graduating in 1928 he worked in Berlin until 1933. Neumann was a member of the National Unity party, a fascist organisation and was appointed its propaganda leader in Oslo and Akershus. He left the party in 1937 and in October 1944 he was arrested for illegal activities and sent to the notorious Grini concentration camp.
Echoes of history: This street scene shows the Augustiner Keller, a beer cellar in central Berlin. Few buildings were not festooned with Nazi regalia
Echoes of history: This street scene shows the Augustiner Keller, a beer cellar in central Berlin. Few buildings were not festooned with Nazi regalia
Power: Hitler had consolidated his power by the mid-1930s, thanks to widespread disillusionment with the Weimar Republic
Power: Hitler had consolidated his power by the mid-1930s, thanks to widespread disillusionment with the Weimar Republic
Youth: A little boy outside an unknown sunny square in Berlin
Youth: A little boy outside an unknown sunny square in Berlin
Order: This intimidating picture shows troops lining a boulevard festooned with swastikas in anticipation of a parade
Order: This intimidating picture shows troops lining a boulevard festooned with swastikas in anticipation of a parade
Relaxation: Berliners enjoy snacks in a sun-soaked park
Relaxation: Berliners enjoy snacks in a sun-soaked park
Crowds: The pictures were taken by Thomas Neumann, a Norwegian engineer who worked in Germany
Crowds: The pictures were taken by Thomas Neumann, a Norwegian engineer who worked in Germany
Church and state: Swastikas and a maypole outside Berlin Cathedral
Church and state: Swastikas and a maypole outside Berlin Cathedral
Docking: Two men in suits aboard the steamer Preussen, presumably approaching Germany
Docking: Two men in suits aboard the steamer Preussen, presumably approaching Germany
Quiet moment: A driver leans against a state car and enjoys a cigarette. The photos show candid moments among Berliners
Quiet moment: A driver leans against a state car and enjoys a cigarette. The photos show candid moments among Berliners
One candid picture shows a Brownshirt (a member of Hitler's paramilitary force) lounging against a state car in front of a building draped with the maligned Nazi symbol.
On 30 January 1933, President Hindenburg, under pressure from Franz von Papen, appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. Shortly after the Fuhrer seized power.
The Nazi government restored prosperity and ended mass unemployment using heavy military spending and a free market economy. Extensive public works were also undertaken, including the construction of the Autobahns, to boost employment.
Just two years later Germany would invade Poland and begin the most destructive war the world has ever seen. An estimated 60 million people lost their lives as a result of the Second World War and the global political landscape changed forever.
Ripple: The 1937 May Day celebration was also a celebration of 700 years of Berlin's history
Ripple: The 1937 May Day celebration was also a celebration of 700 years of Berlin's history
Grand: The Messe Berlin situated in Berlin-Westend. It was completed in 1937
Grand: The Messe Berlin situated in Berlin-Westend. It was completed in 1937 yet heavily bombed by Allied aircraft
Masses: A lkarge crowd in Berlin, presumably in connection with Labour Day
Masses: A lkarge crowd in Berlin, presumably in connection with Labour Day
Force: In this picture we see military personnel father beneath decorations. An officer appears to be inspecting the men
Force: In this picture we see military personnel father beneath decorations. An officer appears to be inspecting the men
Overseer: A guard in a pristine white uniform looks on at a gathering crowd
Overseer: A guard in a pristine white uniform looks on at a gathering crowd
Civilians: Walkers on a mystery German street. Eight years later it would have been filled with Russian, British and American troops
Civilians: Walkers on a mystery German street. Eight years later it would have been filled with Russian, British and American troops
Serene: An unknown park in Berlin. The heat of the summer of 1937 meant sprinklers were required to keep the grass verdant
Serene: An unknown park in Berlin. The heat of the summer of 1937 meant sprinklers were required to keep the grass verdant
History: Flags snap and flap in the breeze among a throng of Germans celebrating May day
History: Flags snap and flap in the breeze among a throng of Germans celebrating May day
Colourful: Berliners gather to look at a giant maypole outside the Berlin City Cathedral
Colourful: Berliners gather to look at a giant maypole outside the Berlin City Cathedral
Porte de Paris
Boulevard Exelmans, 1920
Rue de la Roquette – 1918
Rue de la Roquette – 1918
Hôtel de Ville
Invalides – 1909
Invalides - 1909





















































Samaritaine - 1930



Rue du Faubourg Saint Denis – 1914


Exposition Universelle - Trocadéro 1937


Rue du Pot de Fer - 1914


Quai de Bourbon - vers 1910


Place de la Concorde – 1918


Hôtel de Ville – 1918


Invalides – 1918


Hôtel de Ville – 1919


Rue de la Paix – 1919


Rue de la Paix – 1919


Vendeuses aux Halles – 1920


Parvis de Notre Dame – 1918


Quai du Louvre – 1920


Quai de Béthune – 1923


Aubert Palace – 1925



















































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Music of My Era

Music is a very important part of every body's life. For some, the tunes represent the milestones, the places, the times and the significant episodes of their existence. It is also said that music is food for the soul that should profoundly inspire us to greater vision, wherefore we soar with the music as we should ....................Amor Patriae