With a history that winds all the way back to Anglo-Saxon and medieval farming practices, the story of allotments in the United Kingdom is as rich as the soil itself. From the General Enclosure Act of 1845, which aimed to give the landless poor an area to cultivate, to the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign in the 1940s, all the way to the allotment renaissance of the 1990s, we will explore the history of allotments, using newspapers sourced from our Archive. …
Gardening
Winter and your garden Winters can present challenges to those of us blessed with a green thumb. But, perhaps, the challenges have, at times, been over-exaggerated. The Illustrated London News commented on an illustration of ‘frozen-out gardeners’ chanting out a street melody of ‘we’ve got no work to do-oo-oo’: There are few but what have heard this miserable chorus, bawled out by half a dozen wretched-looking fellows, bearing bunches of frozen greens on the tops of long poles, as they …
Tags
“Flowers seem to be intended for the solace of humanity”, wrote John Ruskin: “children love them; tender, cultivated people love them as they grow”. ‘Treasury of Summer’ | Britannia and Eve | 1 July 1950 Gardening can prove a useful and enjoyable distraction during challenging times. In June 1940, during the midst of the Second World War, the beauty of local gardens inspired mixed emotions. The spring of 1940 and the early summer have been far more beautiful than usual, …
Tags
January, Chiswick by Laura Knight, Illustrated London News 1979 
February, Kew Gardens, Derek Rodgers, Illustrated London News 1979 
March, Kensington Gardens by Martin Leman, Illustrated London News 1979 
April, Hampton Court by Christine Simpson, Illustrated London News 1979 
May, Richmond Park by Anne Howeson, Illustrated London News 1979 
June, Queen Mary’s Garden, Regents Park by Katy Sleight, Illustrated London News 1979 
July, Hatfield House by Laura Knight, Illustrated London News 1979 
August, Hyde Park by Derek Rodgers, Illustrated London News 1979 
September, Savill Gardens, Windsor Great Park by Martin Leman, Illustrated London News 1979 
October, St James’s Park by Christine Simpson, Illustrated London News 1979 
November, Osterley Park by Anne Howeson, Illustrated London News 1979 
December, Syon House by Katy Sleight, Illustrated London News 1979
In 1979 The Illustrated London News published a series of artworks illustrating gardens throughout the year. This delightful series showcased gardens and artists alike. Click on the images to enlarge and enjoy interpretations of famous gardens such as Kew and Kensington from artists such as Martin Leman and Katy Sleight.
Tags
The newspapers in our collection are full of gardening advice from across the centuries. In this series of posts we will explore flower and vegetable gardening from the early 1700s to the 1950s. Join us as we discover forgotten varieties and perennial favourites. We will share hints and tips from bygone ages, some of which may be worth reviving, and others which are better left untried. April Showers In April we can give into impatience and declare it Spring in …