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Cost Of Living Collection

Reflecting on the ever-increasing cost of living, Arthur Wraggs' cartoon for the Sunday Mirror on 9th April 1961 sheds light on a timeless concern

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Work of mob at St Quentin in food price riots, 1911. Creator: Bain News Service

Work of mob at St Quentin in food price riots, 1911. Creator: Bain News Service
Work of mob at St Quentin in food price riots, 1911. Shows broken windows at a cafe in Saint-Quentin, France.

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: TORRES STRAIT COST OF LIVING FEATURE

TORRES STRAIT COST OF LIVING FEATURE
A general view of Thursday Island at dusk, in the Torres Strait, Friday, November 4, 2022. Traditional owners in the Torres Strait Islands are being forced to leave their archipelago homes amid

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Les manifestations contre 'la vie chere' en Hollande; camionnage de pommes de terre... 1916

Les manifestations contre "la vie chere" en Hollande; camionnage de pommes de terre... 1916
Les manifestations contre "la vie chere" en Hollande; camionnage de pommes de terre sous la garde de soldats hollandais, 1916. From "Collection de la Guerre IV

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Les manifestations contre 'la vie chere' en Hollande; manifestation faminine a Amsterdam... 1916

Les manifestations contre "la vie chere" en Hollande; manifestation faminine a Amsterdam... 1916
Les manifestations contre "la vie chere" en Hollande; manifestation faminine a Amsterdam contre la cherte de la vie, 1916. From "Collection de la Guerre IV

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Eh! Qu'est-ce qu'il y a de nouveau?... 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier

Eh! Qu'est-ce qu'il y a de nouveau?... 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
Eh! Qu'est-ce qu'il y a de nouveau?... 19th century. Man: So! Any news? Servant: Monsieur, the whiting has gone up again since yesterday. Man: I warned you we would starve

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Price's Patent Candle Company - the Bromborough Pool Candle-Works - interior view... 1854

Price's Patent Candle Company - the Bromborough Pool Candle-Works - interior view... 1854. Creator: Unknown
The Bromborough Pool Candle-Works - interior view under three spans of roof - from a photograph, 1854. Candle factory on Merseyside

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Migratory family from Louisiana on Works Progress Administration (WPA), California, 1938

Migratory family from Louisiana on Works Progress Administration (WPA), California, 1938. Creator: Dorothea Lange
Migratory family from Louisiana, been in California eighteen months now on Works Progress Administration (WPA), receives fifty-five dollars a month

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Mr. John Thwaites, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works - from a photograph by Cox, 1858

Mr. John Thwaites, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works - from a photograph by Cox, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Mr. John Thwaites, Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works - from a photograph by Cox, 1858. First Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, and the first Leader of local government in London

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Teachers Homework. Arthur Wraggs cartoon for the Sunday Mirror 9th April 1961 in

Teachers Homework. Arthur Wraggs cartoon for the Sunday Mirror 9th April 1961 in response to the National Union of Teachers annual conference call for teachers salaries be increased to keep pace with

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Outside the council flats built by the labour LCC in Islington, North London. By election

Outside the council flats built by the labour LCC in Islington, North London. By election candidate talks to housewives with their young children. 1947

Background imageCost Of Living Collection: Bread rationing. Housewives and children queue at the bakers in Bexley Heath. 1946

Bread rationing. Housewives and children queue at the bakers in Bexley Heath. 1946



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Reflecting on the ever-increasing cost of living, Arthur Wraggs' cartoon for the Sunday Mirror on 9th April 1961 sheds light on a timeless concern. Outside the council flats built by the Labour LCC in Islington, North London during a by-election, we witness a poignant scene that resonates with many generations. The image captures the essence of financial struggle and highlights how housing plays an integral role in our daily lives. Taking us back to post-war Britain in 1946, another snapshot reveals bread rationing and its impact on ordinary families. Housewives and children patiently queue at the bakers in Bexley Heath, emphasizing how even basic necessities were scarce commodities during those challenging times. These historical hints remind us that grappling with rising costs is not a new phenomenon but rather an enduring issue faced by individuals across different eras. As we navigate through life's uncertainties, it becomes increasingly important to address this pressing matter and find sustainable solutions that alleviate the burden placed upon households. The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing expenses, food prices, healthcare costs, education fees - all vital components contributing to our overall well-being. It prompts us to question whether society adequately supports its members or if there are systemic flaws hindering equitable access to essentials. While these glimpses into history serve as reminders of past struggles endured by previous generations, they also ignite conversations about present-day challenges surrounding affordability and economic stability. By acknowledging these issues head-on and fostering dialogue between policymakers and citizens alike, we can work towards creating a more inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background. Ultimately, understanding the cost of living goes beyond mere numbers; it delves into human experiences shaped by economic circumstances. It urges us to empathize with one another's realities while striving for meaningful change that ensures a better future for all.